The red lights glisten like rubies on my street
As I pass them singing,
Swinging my hands like a careless creature.
The crowds stand still, cursing my innocence,
Shooting muffled screams my way,
But I was never their god or their preacher.
The tires screech, trying to scare me into silence,
And I wish I could be afraid.
I wish I had a bone I would not be willing to break.
Only one more light and I will be done with this,
Only one more scarlet lantern
And I will sit down at the old muddy lake.
But the concrete sighs and crashes like a wave,
Trapping me in its skeleton,
And I know I will not make it out alive.
The crowds lighten up, their faces red and fearful,
As the grey sky swallows me whole,
And its teeth feel like the cruelest knives.
-Jackie
The Daily Writing of Jackie Wright 