falling down

the police say
sorry to inform you
and
is there anyone we can call?
and
we will be in touch.

2:00 am on a school night.
hit and run
murder.

sorry to inform you...

no witnesses.
only the explosion
of metal on metal.
and the squeal of tires
as someone
races away.

an atmospheric river
drops inches of rain
in a single hour
and burned out
hillsides slide
through villages
and townships.

a body lay slumped over
in the front seat.
sirens sound in the distance.

sorry to inform you.

is there anyone we can call?