Fire!

by Anonymous

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We walk along the pavement hip to hip

We see you coming, your stride so wide

We move for you and wonder why

Your gaze stays forward, unbothered by we

We glance at our feet, frightened by thee

Once you pass, we look up again

A ritual we catch ourselves in

We move along and find you once more

This time, holding the door

This time, smiling at we

We smile back innocently

You read that wrong and are intrigued

By our generosity

You follow us down the hall

Like a puppy with a ball

We look back and notice you there

You find the courage to blurt out a “where. . .

Where you ladies headed?” you mutter with a stutter

We look at each other

We know this too well

We know your intentions

Belong in hell

We freeze in thought

Eyes wide

Thinking of our shared lie

You notice our pause and crack a smile

We find that disgusting and begin our lies

“we’re headed upstairs to meet a guy”

We know this lie

We have told this lie

Many many other times

You take a step back

And squint your eyes

You also know this lie

Your smile so gummy, so bent

We back up

as we know your intent

We say “goodnight” and head upstairs

You refuse our exit and follow us there

We move a little faster, now holding hands

Pulses pounding palm to palm

We stumble on the top floor

Now you’re there too

Do we yell fire?

As girls, taught by our mothers to do