Innocence

Running around the yard,
Only one thing on my mind:
Don’t let Mom tag you.

A scorching, Autumn breeze
Gently blowing across my face,
Like a soft breath you feel
When you’re really close to someone,
Saliva collecting at my lips.

I should have seen the rake.

I should have noticed its menacing fangs
Looking up at me with malicious intent,
Like sharpened sticks
Soliciting pain.

In the background I can hear
The blood curdling scream,
Knowing the wonderful atrocity that was
About to occur.

I seemed to fall for minutes.
Knowing what was coming;
Not being able to do anything about it.

That was the worst.

As the rake penetrated my skin,
I felt the sweet pain rush through my body,
Like darkness sweeping over a bright sky.

The warm, thick blood,
Flowed out of my body,
Along with a piece of my
Innocence.