In response to “Opening Exodus,” painting by D.S., incarcerated.

If a leap could be laughter,
this deer bounding
over a fallen log
toward the forest and safety
is just that.

In the distance,
someone uniformed
in hunter orange
back turned, scans
the wrong horizon.

If laughter could be a sob,
this stag’s body
is just that,
front hooves tucked near his breast
like hands in prayer.

Statement: I am grateful to the artist, D.S., whose moving painting inspired my poem, and to all my incarcerated artist-brothers who have generously shared their art through the Art Against the Odds exhibition: https://www.artagainsttheodds.com/