a tree trunk, on its side, white.
painted white, smooth, hard, like an arm
BETTER DUCK! missed once, DUCK AGAIN! missed twice
i don't want to be struck
the sheets, a leash, tie it fast
keep it on its leash
STAY DOWN! crouch low, Can i stand up?
SIT DOWN! watch your head, stay alert
always ready, ready to duck, under the tiger, hard white wood
Where are the stripes? always ready
like walking through the jungle
the boom jumps out of the bushes, it's a tiger.
tighten the sheet, tighten the leash, Is the rope strong enough?
STAY DOWN!
Prepare to jibe!
Prepare to die?
Jibe Ho!
Stay low?
yes low, don't die
don't high, STAY LOW!
step up, into the jungle, open eyes, onto deck, hear the cries
Jibe Ho! heads up, watch the boom
LOOK OUT! here it comes, here it swings, faster lower
DUCK DOWN! swings by, cuts the sky in half
rips through the air overhead
just missed
Was it luck?
hope not
Acause here it comes again.
This piece has been published in Teen Ink’s monthly print magazine.
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