right or left

a person named eugene goodman.
his breath, his legs
moving on their own, knowing what to do,
all training engaged, all training out the window
acab but eugene goodman, eugene goodman
holding the line, making a decision with every
running step on the stairs, every second
buying time to keep us peaceful
for a few more moments.

i only watched the video once —
the hand, grappling for the radio,
mask askew, radio, radio —
help help backup, no backup
stairs and running fear.

hold his breath in your heart
ask yourself what it would feel like
to be chased. up the stairs,
dark street at night,
driving in the car
you paid off completely.

help us, eugene.
hold them off a little longer.