I saw the streetcar heading north up Bathurst
bringing people to the station after a long day’s work
I saw the cyclist speeding along, head down
the streetcar didn’t slow
coming to the light
if he ran the yellow
they’d get to the station on time
the cyclist didn’t slow
heading east on Bloor
trying to get home
anticipating the green
I watched helplessly
looking back and forth
projecting their paths
they were going to hit
the world slowed
the cyclist almost made it
the streetcar gripped the tire
twisted the medal
ground it on the tracks
the world stopped
cars halted
no one moved
a heart beat
someone yelled
call 911
released from shock
I ran back into my apartment
dialled 911
said there’s been an accident
at Bathurst and Bloor
She asked where
I stared at the phone
did she not hear
In the intersection
at Bathurst and Bloor
I run back out side
the ambulance has arrived
I hear yelping
the cyclist is being pulled
from in front of the streetcar
the tangled bike
discarded uselessly
the streetcar ran the yellow
the cyclist anticipated the green
they both forgot
what the red light was for
(c)2018 Catherine Elder
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