Godspeed Diane

by Kim Walters


If it happens again girl,
you should scream.
Open wide and screech,
metal on metal,
white hot sparks spitting free
and landing with a burn.
He needs to hear your pain.

If it happens again girl,
you need to pound.
Fists clenched like
saw-toothed mallets
pounding strength from flesh
too tough to cut.
He needs to know you bruise.

If it happens again girl,
hold back your breath.
Keep it for yourself
until your head feels light and easy
and your body floats
free of your pain.
He needs to know you still have control.

If it happens again girl,
you need to run.
Foot chasing foot,
in rhythmic meditation,
looking forward,
racing backward to what matters most.
He needs to see you leave.

If it happens again girl,
you might not get the chance.

Leave now.