911

911

I’ve already forgotten
the agony of watching
the towers burn
like monstrous smoke
stacks of the
Manhattan factory

I have also forgotten
the anxiety in her voice
when she calls
to ask if I’m ok

And I don’t remember
that bully’s name
the one who punched
me in the mouth
back in high school

I only remember
to be afraid
while sleeping
I dream of planes
crashing safely
to the ground

and when we hit
a pothole
I wake up shaken
thinking it could be
a road block

Strapped into a chair
in an undisclosed location
I await the Dentist
to replace my two front
teeth

I’m not sweating
and my pulse
is low
I think I’ve forgotten
how to be afraid