How do I rise
from the mire and muck
that I freely entered
Innocently, naively
Step 1: Change locks
Step 2: Move the money
Step 3: Inform friends and co-workers
Step 4: Borrow for an attorney
Step 5: Have papers served
Step 6: Change phone
Step 7: Notify banks
Step 8: Notify lenders
Step 9: Don’t answer the door
Step 10: Follow through
Don’t answer the door, ignore the knocks, don’t answer the door! Run, he’s inside. Get it, find it, I have to find it. Hands are shaking. There, it is. It’s ready.
I shout, “Get out!" Step 11 is exit.
Step 12: Call 911 Emergency
“Nine-one-one, what is your emergency?“
“I need help. My ex broke in and threatened me. I don’t know his condition. I have a protection order, and he violated it. What? I couldn’t call sooner. I had to protect myself. Someone may need to check on him. I don’t hear anything now. It's quiet in there. I’m outside. He’s inside. I’ll wait for help.”
Copyright © 4/4/2026 by Andrea O. Corwin
I am grateful you read my work! 😃 If you liked it, please like it ♡, drop a comment, and subscribe for free. - - Andi
About the Creator
Andrea Corwin
🐘Wildlife 🧘♀️ 🖋️🈷️ 3rd°🥋 See nature through my eyes and photos.
Poetry, haiku, fiction, horror, life experiences. Written without A.I. © Andrea O. Corwin
bigcats4ever.bsky.social
Threads/ Instagram @andicorwin
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