Cast: 5 or 6 (2 to 3m., 2 to 3w.). Her is a multi-layered play about love and loss. Incorporating techniques of documentary drama and American Indian ritual, this imaginative play raises challenging questions for today's audiences on the subjects of death, family and the environment. J.D. is a13-year-old boy who wants to save the starving deer in the Florida Everglades. His park ranger brother, Michael, and college coed sister, Sandra, land squarely on opposite ends of the issue's solutions. J.D. feels pulled in both directions. He and his American Indian friend, Bet, each have dreams of a spirit deer and seek to understand the message of the dream. When the mercy kill goes on as planned, J.D. tears into the everglades, determined to save even one deer, if possible. There is a magical moment when a deer touches J.D.'s hand with its muzzle, but a distant gunshot spooks her, causing her to injure herself. Michael puts the deer down with his rifle, the only humane response to her suffering. The play ends with questions: Are there any peaceful alternatives to ecological crises? What is the best way to make a difference? Multiple representational settings. Suitable for touring. Contemporary costumes. Approximate running time: 75 minutes.