Ode to a Dead Skunk


I left for work early today,
with extra time allowed
to miss the rush hour traffic
and avoid the morning crowd.

But someone out before me
had already sealed your fate.
Apparently, he did not see
you till it was too late.

I'll admit when I first saw you
lying there beside the road,
what struck me was an odor--
not an urge to write an ode.

Then, saddened, I began to dwell
on just who you might be:
a mommy, dad, respected
skunk in your community.

You're someone's child or sibling.
Or both. Perhaps a mate
is somewhere waiting for you now,
not knowing why you're late.

Alas, I can't forget you now.
R.I.P., wherever you are.
A sense of you still lingers in
my head AND IN MY CAR!