Leave Me Alone
by Sam M. Phillips

Walk across farm,
Past shack houses,
We’re all poor here,
Although this place is rich in beauty,
Why I walk across.

I try not to look in the houses,
Not my business,
I don’t judge living simply,
Try to keep to myself.

If I pause,
It’s to look at nature,
The sun plays on the wet grass,
Takes the breath away.

Far past the houses,
I’m heading back home,
A grey truck pulls around the corner from behind,
Creeps along the road,
Rocks crackling beneath.

I step off the road,
Walk on the cow trail,
Carved by hooves.

Turn to look at truck,
It doesn’t pass,
Pulls one wheel off road,
Onto trail,
Raises my guard.

I’m forced from the trail,
Onto grass,
Trunk stops,
Drunk,
Slurring,
Red-faced man clutches beer.

The questions start,
Who are you?
Where are you going?
He’s offended I don’t want to answer,
Don’t like being confronted.

Want a lift?
No,
More offence taken,
I’m just out for a walk.

He drives on,
Stops,
Reverses,
More questions,
Incredulous,
Disbelief on ruddy features.

I’m just minding my own business,
I’m just walking,
He offers his hand,
His full name,
I shake it,
Give him my first.

Why won’t you tell me your last name?
Because you’re a weird stranger,
You’ve forced me off the road,
You’re clearly drunk,
And you want me to get in your truck,
I think but don’t say.

Please leave me alone,
I’m just walking home,
I do say.

Unsatisfied and annoyed,
He leaves,
Drives to my landlord’s house,
I’m forced to follow,
To explain,
To clear it up,
I hate things like this,
I just want to mind my own business,
Why don’t you just fuck off?

***

Did you enjoy this poem? Leave a comment below!

Help the author by becoming a patron here: patreon.com/samphillips

Like the author on facebook: facebook.com/sammorganphillips/