The Death of Opossum
by Robert L. Paddock
June 15th, 2014
Copyright (C) 2014

On the way to work this morning I saw Opossum die.

It trotted out of the brush to my left.

Full day a head, full of life.

Opossum was oblivious to the approaching car inches from it.

Inches from Death.

I braced myself, slowing as fast I could, praying for the best for the beast.

The oncoming car startled Opossum causing it to rise.

To beat Opossum against the bottom of the car.

Oh what a surprise!

Opossum rolled twice.

Four legs to the sky.

Still Opossum lies.

I had just watched Death.

A critter had just died.

It made me think of the instant between life and death.

Why has Karen died?

At night she no longer lies near my side.

Is she happy on the other side?

To at long last be pain free with Angels at her side?

As I type this I cry still.

Trying hard not to bawl.

So hard to go on still.

We are here for but an instant then gone as we lie still.

The old joke “Why did the Chicken cross the road? To show the Opossum that it could be done!”.

Funny no more, as Opossum lies still…

Dedicated to the late Karen Paddock, 1969 - 2013. http://www.kpaddock.com

Opossum are colloquially called possums; Latin: Didelphimorphia.