I heard a cry
A muffled scream
A woman's I'm sure
Late one night
As I crossed the Queen's Chapel Bridge
No other commuters
Tired and insular
Heard the noise
A sound that punctures
Ruptures guilt
I should have done more
I knew then I should not walk away
Cocking my head
Looking out at the wall of trees
I strained to hear
Craning my neck
There was nothing to see
Off the side of the bridge
Though black cloaked
I knew these creek banks well
Seen structures strewn
Along the banks
Simple shacks to serve
As homeless shelter
Could that have been the sound
Of some illicit commerce?
Penniless lovers echoing moans
From their concrete suite?
No
I am certain
I heard a cry
A woman's scream
I'm sure
Nauseating fear
Gnashes and gnaws
Held in place
I called out to the void
Fingers crossed
Hoping my cry
Would yield no reply
But it did
"Everything's fine!"
Fear rushed through my torso
Stripping me of strength
I know this is a lie
But not how to respond
So reaching for my cell like a coward
I dialed 911
The operator was annoyed and unresponsive
I doubt the pigs even bothered to check!
Then some weeks later at the bus stop
I told a friendly rider what I'd heard
Silently she stood and listened
Then she slayed me with these words:
"Years ago my daughter
Young and fair, was taken
To those woods and raped
You probably weren't mistaken
About that unseen woman's fate"
I heard a cry
A muffled scream, I'm sure
I should have done more
Not just walked away
