Went to the pub to get away
Just to relax, release the day
Sat at the far end of the bar
The end where the quiet are
Then I caught his icy stare
Actually more a cold hard glare
Watching me with silent rage
I looked away not to engage
Then I moved from bar to chair
The stranger’s eyes just followed there
Turned away to watch TV
Be there he was in front of me
“Don’t like your face” he bellowed loud
“I’m going to hurt you” he loudly vowed
I smiled and slowly stood to leave
Then felt his fist smashing me
Across the room I seamed to soar
Landing hard upon the floor
The blood ran from my nose and eyes
Then something seemed to snap inside
Off the floor my body flew
A look that I had never knew
The room then quieted to a hush
As once again at me he rushed
But this time I took a stance
Met him with three punched hence
And then knee into his head
He hit the ground, he laid there dead
I never saw the knife he drew
Or felt it as he ran me through
The cops said it was self defense
Yet I feel a guilt immense
Forgive me Lord I didn’t know
This rage inside would ever show
Now I just avoid the crowds
Avoid a life lived too out loud
And keeping quietly alone
I remain safely here at home


© Michael R Wood 2002

Just make believe - but then again ......