3 minutes

cowered in the art room cupboard

her knee bleeds from striking

the doorframe edge after she pushed her

way into jugs of paint

her tears and sweat create a small stream

mixing with drips of blood

she rubs the mess with the hem of her shirt

not wanting to risk trickles slipping out

from her hiding place

she silences her phone after texting 911

not wanting its light to glow

she shoves the phone face down under her wet shin

13 minutes

her ears are ringing and she feels dizzy

she cannot tell how loud her breathing is

in trying to shallow and slow her breaths

she does not want to pass out, not now

she smells odors she’s never encountered before

thinks is this what death smells like

her neck and back scream with discomfort and

her legs spasm and cramp

she considers the history lesson from the day before

of POW’s kept in sunless boxes

wonders if this will be her final box

her clothes are soaked through

she feels colorless in this color-stained space

not wanting to leave, not wanting to stay

her fear hardens into a shock-gripped stone

43 minutes

she hears the push of the barricade

with the art room door opening

heavy steps squash on the floor

she tries hard not to shake nor allow terror to surface

with the blood curdling scream surging in her throat

the cupboard opens, sunlight blinds her

their towering silhouettes hover

she cannot hear their words

squishes her eyes shut, holds her breath

she forgot help was coming

with their ice pricking

then grasped tender touch

Award winning poet and photographer Sheri Lynn, has over eighty works across dozens local to international publications including Ms. Magazine and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Dream Believe Publish published her chapbook Nature’s Breath. Sheri leads weekly UUCSR poetry discussions, belongs to LIPC and other poetry and advocacy organizations, is grateful to LIQ and all for support and encouragement on this artistic journey. She invites you to connect by visiting her site BreatheInsights.com.