Tyrant

Too tall for my age, a domineering grin on my face,
Hair in my eyes, uniform skirt askew -
I can see it like a scary movie
Spiraling out of control across the screen -
His tear-streaked face going all red and blotchy.

I cannot remember his hands; did we tie them?
I can remember his face, and his soft belly,
and the rope digging in and me screaming "Tighter!"
They pulled tighter. "Kill him!" I commanded
(We were only playing)

Where did we find rope on the school playground?
I cannot remember where - But God! I remember his eyes!
No mercy! Where did that demon come from?
I screamed "Kill him!" until the bell rang
And all the kids ran to line up.

He was sobbing, trying to get free.
"Help me," he pleaded "I will be late."
That is when the craziness left me.
Suddenly I was human again.
I saw a crying boy who would be late for class

I struggled with the knots and freed him
"You ok?" "Yeah, sure, thanks."
"Let's run!" I urged
He bent over and shyly kissed my cheek.
We ran back hand in hand.