Nighttime Errand

Just running to the store.

Enough setting to convince inquirers.

But bent light poles,

And the moonless sky

Cannot be fooled.

On that bridge ahead;

The ice was thick enough.

The snow, heavy enough.

The time, late enough.

The traffic, quiet enough.

An accident—

Waiting to happen—

That was the goal

That was the plan

That’s what they’d say to his old man

The moment came.

He clenched teeth,

Held breath,

Closed eyes, 

And pressed down.

But then a tone and a light

Grabbed at his thoughts.

He looked at the screen.

I love you.

Nothing else needed.

He blinked away a tear

And cleared his throat.

The bridge came.

The bridge passed.

Buying milk, he traveled back.