roadside repair

in early light
as I drove
round a bend
he was there
tiny
vulnerable
eyes wide
too young
he shrank
with fright
as each car
roared past

across the road
his mother
paced nervously
separated
by aeons
of technology
her other kits
tumbled
played
children
without knowledge
of consequence

sun assuming
its morning drive
position
traffic increasing

she had to decide
lose one
or risk all

with no time
to consider
my risks
I hit brakes
dust rose
as I pulled onto
gravel shoulder
grabbed beach towel
off seat
without stopping
to think
I jumped
from my car
ran to him
scooped him up
in soft folds
of clean terry
raised my hand
halted traffic
scooted across
deposited him
10 or 20 feet
back from the curb

mother vixen
ran toward me
intent on defense
then stopped
stared
quiet knowing
as I removed myself
from this family reunion

I returned to my car
door ajar
pocketbook
carelessly open
on the floor

I became aware
of dry mouth
heavily beating heart
trembling hands

engine already running
flywheel screeched
against starter motor
as I turned my key

shook me back

a fine mist cleared
burned away
by intensity

I looked up
to pull away

they were gone

Had it happened?

Was I dreaming?

soft red hairs
on my towel
answered