Intersection

I hit a sparrow as I drove in to work this morning.
I had slowed to go through an intersection.
He changed direction to fly up, away from me.
It was just a glancing blow on my windshield,
A soft, puffy thump of feathers in my vision ...

... and then he was gone, up, over the roof of my car.

When I looked back I saw
A flutter of grey and brown wings
Out of the corner of my eye.
But there were cars all about me,
And I don't know whether he was flying
Or falling.

And then I was through the intersection and saw no more.

I wish you well, little bird.
I hope the same feathers that help you fly
Spared you from my car,
And left you surprised but safe,
Singing a slightly indignant song
That begins:

I hit a windshield as I flew in to work this morning....