Somewhere out there, (you
know who you are), we
almost hit. To be clear, you
almost hit me from behind. You
were changing lanes to get a head start at the light, I
was slowing toward full stop.
One of those ‘not quite’ existential moments
which tightens the grip of our attention
on the quick and present dangers of the world.
We did not exchange fender paint, nor DNA,
nor insurance information. I prevented the need.
So many times, a jerk on the wheel, a tap on the brake,
and a crisis is averted. Everyone goes home.
I saw the look on your face and knew that you were sorry.
You saw the look on my face and knew that I was angry.
Had you waited a second longer when the light turned green,
you would have seen my face soften and know that I forgave.