Alleyway Headcount

Alleyway Headcount

Alleyway headcount
one more ghost getting even
in the rain

You wouldn’t hear my voice
now you hear the chain

You walked past me every morning
headphones up
eyes locked on the glass
I held doors
bit my tongue
let the insults pass

You laughed with the strangers
and saved your soft voice
for the ones who wouldn’t stay
I was the face you forgot at parties
the help you used
to get through the day

Tonight the block looks different
under busted lights
and wet black stone
you still walk
like you’re untouchable
staring at your phone

You don’t see the shadow
that learned your route
your lazy arrogant turn
I am the quiet
you trained into a weapon
waiting to burn

You wanted me harmless
you wanted me small
you taught me my worth
now I’m writing it on the wall

No need for speeches
I’m done explaining why I snapped
your eyes widen once
and your mouth stays trapped

You choke on the shock
of seeing the face
that carried your weight
on this cracked concrete
where it’s a little too late

No bullets
no headlines
just fear carved clean
the sound of your pride
hitting the ground
is the whole scene

You walk away shaking
shoes slipping on the stone
that buzzing in your skull
is every second
you left me alone

You will cross that block differently now
looking side to side

I am the silence you created
taking you for a ride