Lilly

I started my day in blackness
rain bathing me in its
devious promise of renewal

The earth felt solid
under my feet
as I walked down the hill
I remember this clearly
thinking it quite odd
considering the weather.

my daughter and I
walked hand in hand
scurrying along
to the bus stop
when we heard her scream.

Mommy! Mommy! He hit Lilly!

I felt my daughter clasp my hand tighter
and gave her a little squeeze.

The acid in my stomach began to
swirl as I quickly assessed the damage.

The truck never stopped.
Didn't even tap the brakes.
She never had a chance.

Lilly lay in the road
her body spinning around
violently
as she circled consciousness.

we hovered.

horrified,
yet unable to look away.

Within moments
her small body
gave up the fight,
went limp.

rain washed away
grief stained faces
makeup smeared.

The school bus came
a moment later.

I gave my daughter an extra hug,
Julia choked out a goodbye..
to both her mom
and Lilly
who we had placed on the grass
momentarily.

Lilly's beautiful fur coat
now slick with rain,
blood seeping from her mouth.

as the bus drove away
the headlights caught Lilly's eyes--
The rain has never been so cold.