Like many, I don't like the sight of roadkill.
It's unsettling.
My pity is mixed with disgust which is followed by guilt,
and I feel ashamed at shying away from one's misfortune.

The other day I passed by a deer,
half decayed, it's ribs bare and open
with one empty eye socket staring, teeth and jawbone exposed.

I suppressed a shiver
and reached over for the dial to turn up the music
with lyrics saying something about
not letting your spirit be crushed
no matter what life throws at you.

My eyes were fixed in front
trying to focus on the path ahead
until I caught sight of another deer in the greenery
standing proud in full flesh and bone,
Its head up and gazing curiously as I whipped by.