roadkill

I didn’t  see it coming.

A Toyota. Barcellona red metallic.

I spun from the glancing blow

a number of times. Graceful in a way.

And then

Hit the deck. As they say.

Shoulder first. No grace in that.

No elegance. The world is squint

and vapour. I wait.

And then

Two brothers come. Ah mates,

I want to say. Help me up would you.

Some cove in a Corolla. Hit and run.

But my beak is rammed somehow.

Nothing comes out. They squat

And strut and peer.

I feel the breeze lift my feathers

And then

Pain. A nip at first. A prod.

But it soon beefs up.

Mates, I want to cry.

Don’t do this to a brother.

But they’re too busy.

It’s like a massage

I try to think. Benevolent.

The benefit of the doubt.

Think positive.

But then

A pinch and I feel the tearing

Of flesh. Burning

In the tepid air.

They hop and hark. I don’t think

They’re here to help.

I close my eyes. The world

swims the same.

Another car comes.  Peugot.

Twilight blue pearlescent.

The brothers fly. Like robbers

when the police show.

I hear my bones splinter as this one,

 grinds me to the tarmac.

The coast clear, the brothers return.

I don’t feel it this time. A wing waves

In farewell salute and they feast

On me.