Distancing

It was only a tiny hole

in the fence but my puppy

escaped and was killed

on the road

through that hole

and I wished I’d asked Dad

would he fix it before it could happen—

always too late.

It was only a tiny flame

on the tip of the firework that flew

the great gorge where the wild winds blew

and fire raged and he wished

he’d played something different that day but it’s

always too late.

It was only a quick cup of coffee

me closer to you

and to somebody else

just a few strangers too

close till somebody close

found the beds were all full

and there weren’t any masks and

the doctors were ill

and we wished we’d skipped

coffee perhaps and perhaps

it’s not yet too late.

And the fire burned out

and the new dog was sweet

and coffee was served with some treats

at the funeral.