Roxanne Ocasio

Impact

All silent but the sound of steel

grinding against steel; an impact so great

it left us facing in a different

direction. For a moment, the world

came to an abrupt halt, only breathing

to keep us alive. You looked at me unsure

of what was to come. Barely escaping by force

through half-opened doors, we both stand

to see the shattered bits of metal and paint

littering the pavement. Nothing to do now

but wait for some kind of solution. In a panic

sitting on the ground, wrapped in two of your

jackets, wondering why you were laughing

though in pain. Can't help this feeling

of responsibility, being more concerned than you.

Finally, you sit beside me, leg pressed against

mine, looking into my frightened eyes

with comfort. And in this jolt, I found

a truth from a mistake: that all I want

is for you to protect me from the world.