Silent November

Wow, has it really been nine years since I wrote this? How the years fly. This cut still stings a little on this day, even after so much time. Wow.

Silent November

Here, here on this second day of eleven
Strangers were we when last we were here
It seems prehistoric like yesterday
'Tis only a year since.
The shadow you threw at the walls
Elusive of my luggage
Warned me of what was to come
I knew it then
But I didn't listen.

I was a child lured into a van
Promised candy and electronic toys
Blindly I followed you down there
I opened my mouth and let you reach inside
Thinking you'd embrace my heart
The shadow you beat on the ground screamed
Mama told me not to talk to strangers
I knew I shouldn't
But I didn't listen.

A turning point, you could say
The greatest day in 22 years - the worst as well
Hindsight has a funny way of doing that.
I try to remember so I can close my eyes and see you anew
I try in vain to forget, wishing you never had come.
The shadow you hurled from the train
Taught me you can't divide by zero
I knew I couldn't
But I didn't listen.

Here, here on this second day of eleven
Three-sixty-four and a quarter gone
Shamefully I share this secret, exposing my soul
Hiding behind 6,000 miles and a backlit screen
Fearful of unkind response
The shadow you bless on another's stoop
Advises to shut up and listen
I know now it was right all along
And I am listening.

I am listening
But November is silent.