with my chin digging into my knees,
i pulled my legs closer to my chest,
trying to ignite a pain that may
prepare me for what happens next.

the wood cracked and split,
making way for the
moon;
a glowing white sabre,
slicing me open.

sirens
turned the street blue,
ceasing the thunderous clatter
of a size eleven boot.

“he won’t be back” they said,
but I had already lost
all faith in people
long before that night.