the roadkill on the ground
is bloated and slick

its front turned out an offering
to nature or perhaps a warning

to get out or maybe
a premonition, it’s too late

to change i stay
& i wait

how long does it take for an animal
struck down to die

knuckles in drywall glistening red
like summer strawberries, mashed

and rotten from being left alone
too long, your breath

on the other line please wait
just a little longer