Call from a stranger. A poem by Lis Gelatt

The marrow thunders through my bones

ice seizes my breath

acid of a thousand cups of coffee

geyser to my throat.

I want to throw up, collapse, scream.

 

A voice explains:

Ambulance,

Life flight,

Rollover.

In the background, 

pain laced scream of “Mommy!”

I roll into motion,

shout for husband

push of adrenaline

run to the car

tires throw gravel

endless drive.

Endless.

Traffic blocks my path.

I run, purse slapping against my back

useless flip flops slowing me down

until red and blue lights

Trooper offers a rideto ambulance.

Helicopter.

I thank a God

I didn’t think I believed in

that my child is alive.