Her lips remain pressed together
as the final p sound evolves into an um.
She opens the car door
and exits onto the boulevard parkway.
Lori picks up an empty blue hospital gown
and searches around for a wrist band.
Curled naked between two rows of bushes
a girl gulps air like a fish out of water.
Eyes electric with fear dart like static.
Stop the girl repeats in triads.
Lori kisses two fingers of her right hand—
touches them to the girl’s forehead.
Her coat comes off and blankets the girl
collects dirt, mud and thorns.
Once inside the vehicle and settled
(as the driver) I require direction.
copyright © 2022 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 