Above the Earth

It was algebra class 

Mr. Wallace

I'd been gone
days 
weeks 
months.

Somehow I'd made it
back.

Suddenly a shout 

He has a gun.  

Running, screaming.

I saw him.

Found a phone. 

Dialed 911
they put me on hold.

He's here.

More running, screaming.

Outside, scattered

my feet too heavy
to lift.

He followed, not alone.
A girl.

Laughing.
Look at how frightened 
they are!

I climbed a brick wall

fell into a ditch.
The girl took the gun

shot me in the heavy
foot.

Aimed again

missed. 
Barely.

I crawled away.

Limped through a

cemetery full of

holes.

Went down side streets

through empty houses

until, at last 

almost home.

But like the boy
I was no longer alone.

The girl 

she walked beside me

her eyes queer and scary.

I tried to make small talk

the weather. 
She listened
said nothing.

Into my house.

No help.
Crept up the stairs

called the police 

She's here.

Nothing.

I am still holding the phone.

She is standing in the doorway.

Did you call the police?

Oh no.

Just talking to

a friend.

She doesn't believe me.

Why should she?

She comes over

whispers into my ear
Don't do it.

Think of all the lives 
you are about to

ruin.