WITNESS

by Vernon Waring
(King of Prussia, PA )

Voices are telling me not to jump
They're loud, demanding
Crying out, beseeching me
"STOP!" they yell. "STOP!"

A small voice inside me whispers "jump"

I'm afraid but I step forward
Swaying in the rough wind
The urgent sound of an alarm clock
Shrieks next to me -
The sound rushing through my room
Like a runaway train

My dog leaps up barking, licks my face
I sit up soaked in sweat
Disheveled, confused, shaking

A witness once again
To my own resurrection