Dead Deer

Traffic stopped moving; everything slowed
To look at the deer on the side of the road.

It appeared that the creature’d been recently killed;
Its fast pumping heart had been suddenly stilled.

I wonder, as it took its ultimate dash
If it saw its life zipping by all in a flash;

Or if, in its brain, it was quite unaware
That some danger could even be waiting right there.

I hope for its sake, it’s the second named choice
And death, to that deer, had no form and no voice.

Perhaps in its mind, in the midst of a leap,
It suddenly found itself smack into sleep;

The cars crawling by in a slow, steady stream
All playing a part in that doe’s final dream.