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COUNTING

By Stacy Clair



Fifteen pools of blood on the floor

Six pieces of splintered wood from the front door 

The glass is shattered around me

Diamonds in a red sea

They left me here broken and alone

Right after they broke into my home

They pushed me to the ground when they forced their way in

There were three – no – four armed men

Counting the things keeps me calm

Right now, I’m counting the spasms in my arm

One, two, three – they’re beginning to slow

Maybe I’ve lost count, I don’t know

My eyes are closing, and I can’t feel my toes

Why couldn’t I be this numb when they tore off my clothes

I counted the cobwebs above my bed

Until one of them put the pillow over my head

I counted my breaths until I had no more

Next thing I knew, I woke up on this floor

I guess I should be thankful I never felt the knife in my chest

They left it just above my left breast

I don’t feel much like counting anymore

I’ll close my eyes for only a moment then I’ll try again to get to the door -

 

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