the angel of unforeseen consequences

Angel of Childhood 2

I ran over a squirrel today.
Now in my defense, there was nothing I could do to avoid the unfortunate collision,
the thirteen miles of ridge road are winding and narrow.
But I do try to make a point not to kill on my way to the grocery store.
The only fellow commuters I usually find on my way to the highway
are the squirrels, wild turkey, deer, the occasional turtle or tortoise (and by the way,
I do believe that one of the questions you will be asked at the judgement throne
is how many turtles did you run over in your lifetime,
because, excuse me, how could you not avoid them)
Anyway, I could not avoid this squirrel.
And I grieve over that.
That I took a life.
And someday,
I will need to atone for my sins.

**** Twelve Days of Angels, Day Six

2 thoughts on “the angel of unforeseen consequences

  1. Dear Kathleen, I ran over a squirrel a few years ago as I was hurrying to work, and I felt the most horrible feeling of guilt and helplessness all at the same time. And yes, the thought of atonement came to mind as well! You took the words right out of the poem I should have written years ago!

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