I slowed the car when I noticed the crane and her baby
at the side of the road.
I inched closer, coming almost to a stop.
So why did she have to step out in front of me,
spreading those enormous wings that filled the entire lane
as if she were a crossing guard? She even shouted at me.
I tried to veer left, praying there was no oncoming traffic,
but she side-stepped to the left with me.
I had to drive into the ditch to get around this crazy woman,
who I have to admit, was just doing her job.


© by Angela Hoffman.
Used with the author’s permission.