deer & oat

©2023 michael raven

arms spread, an invitation
for spirits to intervene
damn me & my stubborn pride
weary, i turn to unknowing

my first guest has been
waiting at the overgrown wall
for years, patient, for my
unchaining of garden gates

we sit together with
the wild oats swaying in
the breath of the world
slumbering, basking in
                           morning sun

I have been enamored with the artwork and conceptual ideas of the “Woodland Wardens” oracle cards and finally bought a deck. Card XV, “The Deer and Oat (healing)” is the first card drawn from the deck and happens to be very relevant to my current mindset as I seek to find a new balance within; spiritually, emotionally, and health-wise.