A Second's Distraction

Raging storm across darkened skies,
Lightning crashes, baby cries.
On their way to work that morning,
Car loses control without any warning.
Rain slicked roads, a second’s distraction,
Shock freezes reflex, slows his reaction.
Barrier shudders, screeches in outrage,
Metal to metal – sounds like a rampage.

It happened so slow yet surprisingly quick,
Then silence – hazard lights continue to flick.
Over two bodies so still and so broken,
Key ring twists, a heartbreaking token.
Windscreen wipers dance in silent duet,
To the sound of music from the cassette.
Then the sounds of sirens split the dawn open.
Now we wait and pray, continually hoping.