If Only

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