Enemy

 

All heard my feet run through the town (they

shook the last fall apples down). I

banged the gate, raced

up the path--and got there late.

 

Locked the door, pushed the great

chair under, latched the

windows, thundered

up the stair--and it was there.

 

Called my friends to come to

help. (Let the dough fall

flat, throw the children

in the car, wear anything at

all, but hurry.)

 

If you can stop it here, I said, you'll be

safer too. I'll keep it shut up tight; hold

if it wants to run; distract it; put it in

the sun, Then

 

Open up the door--to see their

startled faces say,

You're all alone, today.