A Poem

when at the edge of getting caught
I knew nothing more 
beyond 
what he told me 
the moon would light our walk
that night
the car rumbled off
I laughed at the jolt

the woods weren’t new
of course I figured out
blindfold off
I stood just beyond the 
soccer fields
where the dance team
stole away to smoke
and my sister

warned me not to tell
and watch my back 
if ever he would take me here
I laughed her off
and caught her eyes
lupine in their coloring
my lungs caught short
from memory

of thoughts of being hunted
like when I was locked outside 
her friend sneered at me
the window where our
grandma slept
those final years
that friend’s silhouette 
eyes in the dark

let me in
or keep me out
you don’t fool me 
for one bit
I slashed her tires
that night, I did
my sister had 
it coming

the trees outlined
traced by clouds
his breath along my neck
a desire 
and a sickness
all at once
the breeze carried rain
his sweat suffocating

my rage, boiling
wishing away
his hand 
pushing me down the trail
crunch of twig
came to an end
suddenly, “Run!”
and he let go

into the darkness
with the plan
spoiled by fear
chased down
and delicious
sisters feast 
the blindfold
in his hand

---

© Samantha Lazar 2019

Happy Halloween!