Roadside Distraction

When the van flipped over the guard rail,

my parents took flight to gather up

the sirens, the loose pieces, 

And the passengers.

I stayed in the card, frantic-eyed

and blustered tongue, but watched

as seagull cars started to flood 

the scene and snatch kernels

and crumbs of the accident.

All squacks and honking horns.

I watched traffic slow and the windows

filled with big eyes and scrambled hands

tightening their seat belts.

When the van flipped over the guard rail,

my parents pulled passengers from the water

while the rest of the crowd made them into a sport.