The cars slow down
everyone turns to look
ambulance lights flash
reflecting in the street like a swarm of red fish
a strange stillness clogs the air
shock or maybe
it is all the concentration
angels and death and paramedics
trying to get their way
as for the rest of us
it’s not morose curiosity
we want a shortcut out of our apathy
a reminder that we are sacks of water
that can puncture
get me home
so I can hold my husband’s beautiful face
write something sublime
and kiss my son.