Driving on a ribbon of road,

i contemplate the change /flow.

i find a tick on my garments at a rest stop,

and vows of non-violence become co-mingled with thoughts of diseases.

Suddenly

a giant spider jumps into my focus.

I grip the steering wheel tighter – my animal awarenesses on high alert….

then i see the glass,

and the metal

strewn on the pavement.

i pass under signs telling me of the human tolls on the road.

the numbers climb as i travel back home.

no mention of the dog who is passed that i just passed on the side.

.

We evolved to fear the spider,

How long til we learn to be mindful on the road?

How long til we honor all our paths?

and the birds in the trees took flight.