Knuckles In My Face

from what I can recall
the sensation of one kind of drug
wore off
and I was alone
on an underground railway station
and I became afraid
and I felt cold
and the strawberry blond in my hair
reflected the unnatural light like gold
alone I felt so vulnerable
then I heard the clatter of boots
coming down the concrete stair
there and then I near fell apart
listening to the excited approaching chatter
it was them or into the face of an oncoming train
like prey trapped as any potential witnesses scattered
Knuckles in my Face
Boots grazing my Shins
to this day I loathe The Skins
what had happened to the original reggae stompers
crouched down
bleeding from my mouth and nose
curiously I worried not for me but for my mother
then I found strength from staring at a poster
I felt some pride and I hadn't cried
but I wished he'd taught me how to be tougher