Stare into the dark

Beside my face glowing, red – 11:58 …11:59

I stare
into the dark.
Somewhere a train
whistle blows
sharp,
short.
Sirens wail, then fade.
Dog barks.
Car vrooms a challenge,
squeals,
roars on
but my tensed body pleads
for that familiar hum…
then
door slam,
click,
step, step, creak,
the sweet sound of teenage feet…

Beside my face, glowing red – 12:16….12:17…

© 2003 by Violet Nesdoly

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This poem was published in the May 23rd, 2003 issue of the Mennonite Brethren Herald.