Death on the Doorstep

There was a death on the doorstep
when I came home from school the other day.
The dead bird lay silent on it's side
it reminded me of the last time something
had died.

A dead cat used to live underneath the back porch where
I like to watch the sunset and smoke a cigarette.
Sometimes on nice days we play guitar out there.

The bird was at the front doorstep in front of the door
still as a fallen doorknob.
I looked around to see if anyone knew of it.
No one was really around.

I kicked it to the side and went to eat some dinner.
It was still laying there and I hoped a neighbor's dog
would take it.
The next three times I came and went, it sat on the doorstep
staring at me,
like it was watching my ever careful step.

The gleam from it's eye moved when I walked past.
Everytime I felt so guilty I slowed down as I passed.
The last time two dogs were staring as I was leaving.
They didn't want the bird so it was mine for the keeping.

I lifted up some grass and moved the bird with my foot.
This time it's face looked even more victim than before.
A lump in the sod is where it laid to rest.
I wished it well and hope it enjoyed it's last breath.

Today someone I know is dying
so I don't know
what to think.
She's been sick for a long time
but won't remember
if I wish her the best.
The next time I come across death on the door step,
I'll be reminded of another's death.
The bird looked like it hit the wall before falling mess
just try to think about
it's second-to-last breath.