I was driving into the Center
just days after my mom had died.
totally distracted
thinking of my mother
gone so quietly in the night
thinking of my dear dad
who was mourning her
thinking of the thousand and one
things that needed to be done
to tidy up a life
utterly unaware of the pickup truck
stopped at the corner in front of me.
With a resounding thump I drove
right into the back end of it
knocking the bumper clean off.
I was mortified. What an idiot!
My neighbor leaped out
the driver’s door, but
instead of being furious
wrapped me in a bear hug
said so sorry about your mom
don't worry about hitting me
picked up the bumper
threw it in the bed of her truck
and with another hug,
drove off.
She probably promised me
a casserole, too,
but I can’t be sure.
(For Donna)
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