Taking Flight

The stream runs swift  
as I step   
atop the first large rock  
of many   
that lead across   
the swirling water  
like   
a tightrope artist   
my arms outstretched   
tremble  
at each step  
the rushing current  
reminding me   
of   
a false step  
yet half across  
a final dash  
no time to tremble  
I leap to ground  
only   
to find  
right behind  
my son   
balancing  
on the last stone  
camera   
in hand  
above the whirl  
snapping a shot  
of a deer  
now no longer near  
that I missed  
in my haste  
but later saw  
startled  
in the photograph  
of a leaping man  
outstretched arms  
as in flight  
the deer   
staring   
at the farfetched   
sight.