most creatures sprawl awkwardly when dead
but her compact form carries quiet dignity
tiny paws curl against sleek brown chest
broad paddle of a tail
if only she hadn’t left
the riverbank in the
dark of night
if only the speeding car
had seen her crouched
form sooner
if only the innocent
were protected from
violent death
all the wishing in the world will not let this be
I grip her tail firmly
drag her through the dirt
position her parallel to the
river bank, give a shove
her body tumbles over and over
fur catching briefly on
low hanging willow branches, then
hearing my heart’s plea
breaks free
I hear the splash
see her dark shape
catch the swift current
slowly sink from sight
if only - there were words
a prayer, a chant, an ancient ritual
to ease my heavy heart,
absolve me of the guilt of being human
I hate seeing squashed squirrels, chipmunks, etc. on the road... But, I just can't pick them up. Good for you Alice!
I think what you did, giving her dignity with a quiet burial into the water, was just right.