it could have happened.
it had to happen.
it happened earlier. later.
nearer. farther off.
it happened, but not to you.
you were saved because
you were the first.
you were saved because
you were the last
alone. with others.
on the right. the left
because it was raining
because of the shade.
because the day was sunny.
you were in luck
there was a forest.
you were in luck
there were no trees.
you were in luck
a rake, a hook, a beam, a break
a jamb, a turn a quarter inch,
an instant.
you were in luck
just then a straw
went floating by.
As a result, because,
although, despite.
what would have happened
if a hand, a foot,
within an inch,
a hairsbreadth from
an unfortunate coincidence
so you're still here?
still dizzy from another dodge,
close shave, reprieve?
one hole in the net
and you slipped through?
I couldn't be
more shocked or speechless.
listen,
how your heart pounds inside me.