I don’t brake for squirrels.

I don’t swerve either.

I pray for them.

I plead with them.

I yell at them.

They seem suicidal,

Daring even.

They’re just doing

As told.

“Go play in the street.”

“Cross the road, or halfway.”

I stay centered

In the lane,

White knuckled,

Eyes forward.

They, one eye

At a time,

This and that.

“Make up your mind!”

“Move!”

“Squirrel, squirrel,

Squirrel!”

“Oh, for crying…”

“Please, no!”

No thump.

Nothing in the rearview.

No yellow pasted

Like the centerlines

They dance around.

I sigh and mumble.