The Cave

There was a cave behind Mawmaw's home. Technically, being in the deep south of LA, this cave was a mass of tangled trees and vines. I had endless explorations through the cave system. Elaborate, mapped-out, elevated trails to secret rooms. Those secrets were well guarded. Summer days were spent in the cave not caring, or now remembering, the heat we all talk about. A discovery was made of a concrete bunker, rectangular with a hole at the center. What to do? Dig, of course. And that is exactly what I did for the next 3 months. No treasure did I unearth, but in my mind, there was no end to the wondrous possibilities. Physically, the Cave is gone now, but as I walk the now mown lawn I can still recall the trails and pathways, secret codes and special vines that transported a young boy to other worlds. (where is this boy now?)

The Deer

I was driving home from town sorta late. I had had the few drinks we normally do, but within limits. I should tell you we live in a very small "village" of 200 strong outside a medium sized city where we go for the necessities and to see friends and socialize. Driving 30 minutes each way is nothing to us, but can be to some an act of congress should we reverse roles. So the preferred route is the "Old Road" which was the area's original highway. It follows the river and is much less traveled if somewhat bumpy and dark and a bit longer than the "New Road". I was blaring my normal satellite radio Indie station(still have trouble with the whole music off the phone deal) and as I rounded a familiar bend there was a deer in my lane, lying down, but head-up and alert. I eased around it. I had gone about another mile when my racing mind just couldn't handle it any longer and I turned the truck around. I eased onto the shoulder next to the deer and got out, truck running. The Deer was completely calm it seemed. I was allowed to pet it and almost sensed a bond. "What the eff am I gonna do with a Deer!" I must have been thinking that but don't clearly remember as the moment just took over . I scooped her up and tried to get her into the bed of my truck. It has been raining here for months on end and the grass was wet, the ditches full, and the bank I was next too very steep. I slipped under her weight. The Deer tumbled down the embankment into the ditch that had maybe 18 inches of water and was sitting upright, seemingly OK with it and cool. There was no way I could get her up the bank and into the truck by myself so I resigned to head home. I told my wife this tale and she thought, while valiant, probably was best not to have a deer in the yard,what the heck right? I had terrible, guilt-filled dreams. I don't normally sleep well and this night was no exception. The next morning I just couldn't let sleeping dogs lie..or deer. I drove back to the scene, about 10 miles back up the road and looked for the Deer. She was there still, unmarred, but she had drowned in the night.I cried as if I had just put my best dog to sleep and headed home. I keep replaying events and wondering what , if anything, I should have done differently. Surely it was better to not be in the road and hit by a monster truck. Or eaten by coyotes. Or worse. I also keep telling myself she just went to sleep and had a peaceful crossing. I wonder, but will never know.