This is the end...
We passed by him, Bill and I, on our way to the 7-11... drunkenly chattering about the Matrix, and eagerly awaiting the belated snacks that had never materialized to conjoin the beerful raptures of earlier in the evening. A casual comment brought me notice of it, and with our quick steps, the conversation moved on.
I don't know why I went back hours later. Whether from curiosity or concern, or a grim fascination. With my camera in tow, I went to inspect the creature; to document, define, and give requiem to a being smaller and more naive than the world it once lived in.
I must have spent over half an hour taking pictures. Tweaking my camera, walking around, flash on, flash off. Cars drove by me, some even slowing to better glimpse what oddity was taking place at 3am. A young man with an expensive camera, taking pictures of a skunk that had died near the side of the road, in front of a funeral home.
Eventually, my memory card filled with the RAW captures of the scene (700mb). The batteries died out. As I turned and headed for home, alone on the chilly streets at 4am, I tossed it a quarter.
Here. You might need this. Just in case.
Reality is strange. You never know when it'll grip you tight, and force you to focus in tight on the things around you.
Rest in peace, little Skunk.
Currently Listening To: The Doors - The End.