I hit a rosella today
While driving along Burwood Highway.
I saw it and two others
Fly across in front of me
From the medium strip.
Too late.
I heard the thump.
Twice.
Looked immediately into
My rear view
And saw it flutter and flop
On the edge of the road.
I also saw
A dozen or more cars
Behind and beside
Making it impossible to stop.
So I drove on
Constantly overthinking
Should I turn back?
Should I find somewhere to stop?
To park?
Some way to go back and see
Is it still alive?
But my brain was paralysed
With what I might find.
Or not find.
So I kept driving.
Tears slowly staining my cheeks.
And my heart
Just a little bit weaker.
If you ever have a wildlife emergency, you can request assistance here; https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/
Do you love reading Morte Oakley? Try some more of her works, here; https://mountainashchapter.com.au/?author=6