Witnessing a Murder
by

I witnessed a murder
alongside the road
baking in the noonday sun
spreading across the grassy knolls
unafraid of what it was,
questioning authority.
The murder waited
just over a hill so travelers
crested the horizon
only to be assaulted
by this black and rustling thing
that called out angrily
in harsh tones
that ruffled feather
and averted eye.
I witnessed a murder
alongside the road
and it made me smile
to see the congregation
taking residence
along the yellow lines
that consist of our rules,
not theirs.
I witnessed a murder
and it made me glad
to see such ravenous joy.

First published in "In Favor of Pain" (November 27, 2016)
"In Favor of Pain" was nominated for a 2017 Elgin Award.

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