Road kill

sorenbarrett

A small heap of tattered stiff fur lays on the side of the road
Scraps of a dried hide stretched over a tangle of broken bones does erode
Flies long departed, only holes where maggots have been
Even the smell has left the vacant corpse and now empty skin
In a headlight a candle extinguished once a spark now free of strife
Just cold tattered fur where once resided a warm life

  • Author: sorenbarrett (Offline Offline)
  • Published: May 21st, 2026 04:15
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 9
  • In collections: Death, Life.
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Comments +

Comments6

  • nephilim56 ( Norman Dickson)

    an excellent description

  • arqios

    That's one way to make leather, the weather tanning what metaphorically would be a bedraggled soul after years of exposure and trampling over. 🙏🕊️

    • sorenbarrett

      Thanks so much Cryptic for the read and most interesting view that indeed fits so well the intent of the poem taking it a step further. It is most appreciated my dear friend

      • arqios

        Oh, happy not to have misread it. A truly fun read. 🙏🕊️

      • David Wakeling

        This is quite a poem.Many layers here. At first it is a tale of an animal killed on the road.But that animal had the spark of life that was taken away,We all have that feeling of dread.I found this very deep and thoughtful.Made me think

        • sorenbarrett

          Thank you David for your read and deeply thought out comment yes you are right there are layers here just as there are layers from skin to organs and bone and even the essence of life within. Your words are most important to me and highly valued

        • Friendship

          A bit too morbid and graphic for me to read early in the morning, but your poem serves a purpose. Your poem serves to remind readers of life's fragility and death's inevitability, urging contemplation of mortality and the respect owed to all living beings, even in their demise.

          • sorenbarrett

            Thank you Friendship for your review and insightful comment. Yes so true even in death there is respect due. I deeply appreciate your understanding of the piece.

            • Friendship

              You're so welcome, my friend

            • Katie B.

              What we succumb to after years of disappointments, dismissals. Being ignored, isolated can all bring us to this lifeless end over time and in an instant.

              • sorenbarrett

                Thank you Katie for your read and words of support they are most important to me

              • Paul Bell

                Animals don't stand a chance do they.
                Strangely enough, a lot of people actively search out roadkill now for food.
                I suppose it beats going to the supermarket.

                • sorenbarrett

                  Thank you Paul for the review and comment. Sad for the animal and sad for those that have to rely on them for food.



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