Injured Porcupine

Injured Porcupine


In the middle of the road
I saw, what appeared to be
white twigs raked into a pile.
Closer inspection revealed
that the pile was moving;
an injured porcupine writhing in pain.
Another hit and run victim of careless driving,
or, excessive speed on gravel roads.
I had to do something.
His front, left leg was injured;
it was obvious because he kept falling on his left side.
When he tried to move he would rotate in a circle,
his back paws moving his body
around and around, in the gravel, raising dust.

When I approached,
he managed to rise on his back paws
and hiss his warning of aggression.
Soon, he fell over again.
I spoke to him in a soothing manner,
not knowing what else to do.
He was completely vulnerable.
I gently rubbed his soft, pink belly,
like one would do with a dog or cat.
His eyes were wild
but, he seemed to relax to some degree.

With a forked stick I was able to guide him
off the road and into the underbrush of the ditch.
I didn't know what else to do.
I couldn't pick him up.
I didn't know where to take him for treatment.
I felt so useless.
A wise person later told me,
"We are where we were meant to be at any given time.
If we're not sure why, all we need to do is be aware
and open to what could be, what will be."
I had done all I could.
Nature would take care of the rest.
It's a moment I will always cherish.