Frozen air stifled in the window
Small motor pumped a breeze
That did nothing
For the sweat on her chin
The phone burned like coals
In her weak hand
Pressed like a pillow against her ear.
Her voice was like an earthquake
Breaking open in cracks
The wet rain of tears down her cheeks
Preceded the aftershocks.
Her mother's words were no longer
A homely embrace.
Now they rang as a tired worry
A simple sorry.
Apology after apology
Before the phone finally dropped
To the carpeted floor
In a muted clatter.
A simple glance out of the tower
To see the colors of the autumn leaves
And shells of parked cars
The ground never seemed so easy
The monster within
Shoved her from the ledge
With her last bit of strength,
She held on.
