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.