If the violence should come
Late at night,
Snatch you from
The safety of your dreaming;
Should you feel the jagged edge
Of blunt force trauma
As it sears through tissue
Muscle, and bone;
Should your disobedient screaming
Reach the ears of those
Who will not help you;
Keep breathing.

And when events
Suck the wind from your lungs,
And you'’re sure another breath
Will not find its way inside,
Don’'t give up.

And when every lead-laden limb
Becomes too much to bear,
And your feet refuse to inch forward,
Keep moving.

There is a road up ahead,
Where the way is lit,
The burden is lifted,
The air is clean,
And the journey is safe.

12/31/2008

Posted on 12/31/2008
Copyright © 2025 Alison McKenzie