Schedule

I tried to be on time today,

I really did! Rushing out to meet

a friend who is highly organized

(10:30 actually means 10:15).

I left my house on time, I really did,

but in the short distance between

my house and hers I encountered

a wood turtle crossing the road

who needed assistance

further down, a baby woodchuck

crossing the road (in the other direction) 

who needed assistance

a flock of turkeys dithering in the

middle of road which kept traffic

in both directions waiting while

they made up their minds

a raggedy fox lounging on the roadside,

scratching himself. I slowed the car and

stopped with emergency flashers on.

We contemplated each other for several

long moments before he shrugged, and

ambled off, panting.

one final stop for a different kind of

turtle (SNAPPER! CAUTION!) and I arrived

15 minutes late to my toe-tapping friend.

I tried to be on time, I really did...

...but life kept getting in the way.