the drake and the hen

on my bike
this morning
i come upon an unmoving mallard

as i pass
i understand,
this feathery mound
on the road's shoulder
his crushed mate

i wish
i could stop a moment
and tuck her into
the earth
but this
would be no consolation
to the drake

the beautiful
wild morning
continues

the sound
of passing engines

all the straining pistons
pushing