Coming back from Corpus,
having just signed a contract
for a new job, I was heading
back to Waco, when I hit straight
line winds and torrential rains
in a boxy Astro van with worn tires.

I’d like to say that as my van
spun like a top on I-37
I saw my life play
like a Hallmark movie:
my wedding night,
my children’s births,
but all I saw was taillights
then headlights then taillights
until the van hit the grass median
and then a tree. I’d like to say
that when the van began to roll
I thought of loved ones and friends,
but the only thought that came
was “I wonder if my life
insurance is paid up?”