On windshields, you said, a tiny crack, that seems
nothing at first, can inescapably crawl
and slowly work its way, until the seams,
finally fissure and break, shattering all.
Is this not like the pain which lovers feel
at betrayal or cruelty, or words spoken
in anger? Things that no apologies heal.
Trust fractures this way when trust is broken.
Let us drive carefully then and beseech
our officers to protect us on back roads
and from the daredevils within, that screech
tires, kicking up pebbles. For the sign that slows
us will keep our breakable hearts from hurt,
so long as we are honest and alert.