James Tate




The Pet Deer

The Indian Princess
   in her apricot tea gown
moves through the courtyard
   teasing the pet deer

as if it were her lover.
   The deer, so small and
confused, slides on the marble
   as it rises on its hind legs

towards her, slowly, and with
   a sad, new understanding.
She does not know what
   the deer dreams or desires.