Hopping, running, pausing, looking around and resuming their race in the snowy forest, the deer are enjoying the arrival of the new season. The rust coloured leaves have turned white, the grass has changed its texture, and the rocks left their grey attires for shiny bright ones. The air is crisp and the sound of the deer’s steps echoes, bouncing back from the other side of the forest. Together the deer waltz, interlace, and at times almost run into each other. Led by their excitement to welcome another season, they came out from their respective shelters to discover what winter had brought this year. More white everywhere? Different other animals migrating?

They enjoy the peace and quiet of winter days. The homes inhabited by human beings not far from the edge of the forest have smoke coming out from their chimneys, and sometimes, they have twinkly coloured lights all around the frame of the house. During wintertime, the deer don’t see or hear much of the human beings. They are therefore freer to enjoy the wonderful landscapes of their homeland.

Running around in the snow is exhausting, the deer take shelter for a moment under a rock and a couple of trees. They catch their breath and shiver as the wind starts to blow stronger into the leaves and the branches. Nature is excited too by the arrival of winter. The wind agitates the birds, the flowers, and the grass by twirling and hissing from the ground and reaching to the skies. When the snow covers the forest, the deer feel protected; swathed in a layer of tranquillity, they listen to the silence, the wind, and their heart beat as they waltz through the rain of flakes.

Listen while reading: Les Patineurs, OP183