A Nightmare on My Street
***
At the sound of “Amen,”
SCREECH, HONK, KABOOM, BOOM
thundered in our laps
Mom and Dad rushed outside
past your ten-speed bike
you and I their shadows
burning metal, barbecue ribs
two cars, one in our yard
littered with groceries
Oh my God!
a body, a neighbor
crying teenage girls
Oh my God!
“Get inside the house!”
I ran in, you followed
sweaty hair stuck to your face
Oh my God!
“It could have been you!”
we watched zombies
move in and out
back and forth
use the phone
call 911
tears, screams
Oh, my God!
“Someone get towels, hurry up!”
blood, shaky hands
Oh my God!
“I dreamed this would happen!”
sirens, ambulance
cops, firemen
mosquitoes everywhere
Oh my God!
the lady died.
That's why I've always worn my seatbelt.
That's why I've always worn my seatbelt.
6 comments:
We can't imagine the carnage before we see one. Those who have not are the ones not normally wearing them. A very good reminder!
Laurie, what an awful thing to witness. I am sure this memory is one which remains forever strong. Your poem had my heart beating....fast.
Laurie, horrible thing to see, but if that's how you had to learn the lesson, so be it. I won't put the car in gear until everyone has their belt on. Some of the older ladies complain, but I'm just as firm with them as I am with children.
This had that immediacy of "You Are There." Every detail, random moments, excellent writing. Amy
What a harrowing experience. So scary, and you captured the scene so well in bits and pieces between the screams.
Vivid narrative of a childhood horror, told with artistic poise, chaos managed by your skillfully turned lines.
David
you put us right there with you! seatbelts DO make a difference!
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