She was trembling with frightening tears
Stroking his hair and the warm body
Her sobbing in a distance
Echoed in a quiet neighborhood

My feet were on rhythmic steps
Stretching my ankles and knees
The sorrow weep was not overlooked
My steps turned to the corner of the green

Stooped down and gently inquiring
Her first words were of guilt and fear
She let her dog run free under her watch
Street was far from major intersect

Had no worries of passing vehicles
She leisurely tended her roses and lilacs
A truck made a sharp turn around the corner
The dog was alerted by the sudden squeak

Ran toward home as fast as his legs could take
Shortened by inches running away from the wheel
The truck moved on without hesitation
Left the sweet little dog lying still

She was beside herself by the frightening sight
Picked up her precious with bewilderment
Fear and tears overpowering her senses
Husband’s displeasing, she couldn’t bear

No words could comfort such loss
Complicated by worrisome consequence
Stayed by her side offered my condolence
Eased her guilt of incidence not in her control

My presence did not reverse the tragedy
A little understanding and company
Seemed to ease her trembling
She wiped the tears, a glance with uncertainty

A pat on her laps and a nod of my head

I went on for my exercise, wishing her the best