I carried her
my wire arms on fire
my fingers screaming
my lips bleeding
down my chin
eyes stinging
from smoke
and ash
and freezing rain
to the mouth
of the trail
you . . . you’re . . .
yeah
I know
a loser freak
shut up
down the street to
the nearest house
I laid her carefully
on the lawn
threw a stick at
the front door
and ran into the woods
I heard them rush outside
see the flames
through the rain-swaying branches
then spot the crumpled
girl twisting on the lawn
the wife ran back inside
to make the call
the husband heard my rustling
in the trees
and ran after me
so that is why
all that is why
I ran I fled I crept away
to hide