Viewing Line

by Michael Dylan Welch and Alan S. Bridges

First published in Hedgerow #131, spring 2020, page 23. Originally written in May and June of 2018.

morning backup—

the deer’s jaw slack

at the roadside Michael

the hatch slowly closes

on a hearse Alan

museum fossil day—

all that’s left

of a stegosaurus Michael

staring down . . .

painted toenails

in the viewing line Alan

our hamster’s grave

unmarked Michael

Chanel No. 5

just a whiff

from the casket Alan