A close encounter with an attacker |
This was originally written for the Amnesty International, Human Rights campaign. I have uploaded a second poem ("One Too Many" ) written for the same contest. *** A scream rips the darkness, I stand, rooted to the spot, Straining my ears for a direction, Unsure of the origin of the sound. Another cry, muffled this time, I run in the direction of the coppice, Torch-light bouncing ahead of me Through the wet grass. The coppice is upon me, suddenly My legs ache as I push into the trees, And in the light I see a man Pinning a girl to the ground. He turns, staring straight into my light, Cold eyes so full of hate, my blood runs cold. He stands and runs away from the brightness, And I watch him crash into the night. The girl lies whimpering, seemingly unaware Of the fact that he has gone, And my approach is greeted by a fearful cry, Shying away from my presence. Unsure what to do now, I dial 999 On the trusty mobile, And explain the situation As she lies shivering. I offer my hand to pull her to her feet And wrap my jacket around her shoulders, Painfully aware that it could have been me Brushing twigs from my skirt. |