Penny

Death came like a coyote
in an overgrown yard
where kittens hide
when they go outside
and won't come in when you call them

like a thief hidden behind a second thought pausing nature's orchestra
to reveal a scream
that drew me into its horror
and in that double take it stuffed my peace with a hole
with rusty jagged edges and an alarm

with the volume turned down
and straining to hear
through my hot heart
and racing feet
I stumbled upon the aftermath of its cruel humor

and saw my disbelief
stunned and awake with adrenaline
white fur bled
for whom my love could offer no comfort only calm
and quiet
and grief...

e.10.21.16