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