I didn’t see him.
I was looking up,
flapping my arms
as fast as they could go.
I only looked down
when my wings fell off.
That wasn’t supposed to happen.
Mr Korsky was leaning over,
filling the watering can.
What could I do?
I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck
to break my fall
and we both hit the ground,
like two hay bales
that rolled off the back of Dad’s truck.
Mr Korsky said a few words
I’m pretty sure are illegal at school,
words my dad said once
when he was fixing the chook shed
and the hammer slipped.
I reckon it’s okay Mr Korsky swore
because I still had my arms tight around his neck
and maybe he thought I was a criminal
trying to steal his wallet,
his gardening tools
or his bright blue watering can.
All those swear words
would have scared away any thief.
I was ready to run, too,
only it hurt in my arms, legs, back, ribs
and other parts I can’t name.
It felt better not moving,
lying on my back and crying seemed the best idea.
So that’s what I did.
Mr Korsky looked like he wanted to join me.