I walked to school everyday

six blocks, alone,

But usually walked home with a friend

chatting about the day;

Terry’s new backpack,

Julie’s new jeans,

Innocent things like that.

Life did seem innocent then.

My mother never worried

that I wouldn’t come home.

I always did.

Not like today when

Our kids don’t leave our eyesight.

I was aware of bad people then,

aware they were around,

knew what real monsters were.

I’d probably seen too much

for a child that young

but I was prepared.

My own child knows nothing

of dangerous men

and desirous women.

I walked one day with a friend

home from school,

we were both about nine.

I noticed a van driving slowly

beside us, slowly

pacing.

A signal went off in my head

like a flare

and I knew

there was a monster in there.

I told my friend that I’d count to three -

why?

Just trust me.

one - two – three!

and we ran around the corner

followed by the screech of tires

to the first open door on the block

where we were greeted by an elderly woman

who immediately took us in.

With a quick glance over my shoulder

I could see the passenger

with his arm crooked at the open window

holding

holding a gun.

His hand wrapped around the butt

longingly

like he really wanted to use that

gun

and wearing a look on his face

of absolute dissatisfaction -

complete let down.

Then the door of the house closed him out.

There were dangers all right,

all around,

but I knew to notice them.

Would my own daughter

recognize a wolf

in sheep’s clothing?