kids run and play

so do I because I am one

Recess in a parking lot

Lots of skinned knees

On that hot cement slab

Twirling round and round

At first I don’t see the children flee

Dizzy vision shows everyone run

Through doors that lock

I’m alone

The cicadas swell from the trees

The noise draws me to turn

Behind me, beyond the parking lot

Coming through the trees

Sprinting across the tan grass

It’s large yellow eyes are on me

It runs with all its body

With speed I’ll never reach

With focus I’ve never had

It hunts

I run

The doors are far away

Getting farther

The beast gains

I run faster

Almost to a door

It’s within my reach

Claws sink into my back

Weight crashes upon me

Life fades to black

Next thing I know I’m lying

Lying down in the back seat

My parents are driving

They wonder where I am

My scream makes no sound

My hands and head won’t move

Fully out of control

My parents don’t care

that I’m not there

I’m not there