The Scream - Ilsa

I heard a cry

A muffled scream

A woman’s I’m sure

Late one night

As I crossed the Queen’s Chapel Bridge

No other commuters

Tired and insular

Heard the noise

A sound that punctures

Ruptures guilt

I should have done more

I knew then I should not walk away

Cocking my head

Looking out at the wall of trees

I strained to hear

Craning my neck

There was nothing to see

Off the side of the bridge

Though black cloaked

I knew these creek banks well

Seen structures strewn

Along the banks

Simple shacks to serve

As homeless shelter

Could that have been the sound

Of some illicit commerce?

Penniless lovers echoing moans

From their concrete suite?

No

I am certain

I heard a cry

A woman’s scream

I’m sure

Nauseating fear

Gnashes and gnaws

Held in place

I called out to the void

Fingers crossed

Hoping my cry

Would yield no reply

But it did

«Everything's fine!»

Fear rushed through my torso

Stripping me of strength

I know this is a lie

But not how to respond

So reaching for my cell like a coward

I dialed 911

The operator was annoyed and unresponsive

I doubt the pigs even bothered to check!

Then some weeks later at the bus stop

I told a friendly rider what I’d heard

Silently she stood and listened

Then she slayed me with these words:

«Years ago my daughter

Young and fair, was taken

To those woods and raped

You probably weren’t mistaken

About that unseen woman’s fate»

I heard a cry

A muffled scream, I’m sure

I should have done more

Not just walked away