ACCEPTED

Hands at ten and two Mile markers, smeared green-blue Voice on speaker, calm and thin Ma’am, start from the beginning Left the city after lunch He said he didn’t feel like much Closed his eyes around the toll Fell asleep and stayed that way I guess he got too cold He’s been out since Philadelphia But I really had to get to the shore Didn’t wanna lose the weekend Didn’t think it mattered anymore I watched his chest I swear I did I checked my mirror, checked the kids He’s been out since Philadelphia I’m here now, so what do I do Hazard lights in the breakdown lane Sea grass bowing in the rain Operator counting breaths Through the static, through the stress Is he breathing? Is he warm She stares at his unmoving form I kept talking just in case Said we’d beat the Friday traffic Save our favorite place He’s been out since Philadelphia But I really had to get to the shore Didn’t wanna scare the children Didn’t think it’d turn into a morgue I watched his chest I swear I did I held his hand when I changed lanes He’s been out since Philadelphia I’m here now, please say his name Salt on her tongue Blood on his lip One hand on the wheel One hand on his wrist Blue in the rearview Red on her face How long’s too long She whispers to the empty space He’s been out since Philadelphia But I really had to get to the shore I was sure I’d see him wake up When we hit that old state park sign I adore I watched his chest I swear I did I sang his song past Exit 5 He’s been out since Philadelphia Is he alive

This chart was electronically reviewed by Synthetic Medic Medical Center. Accuracy may vary depending on staffing, caffeine levels, and whether anyone actually read the note.