Jolted back into the present-
I felt all six feet of him.
Hovering behind, entirely too close.
Had me Cornered-
Attack and exit route
Mentally mapped out,
Before he uttered a word.

Hands steady I went about my Work. Filling a mop bucket-
Watching the steam rise...he stayed.
Scooched in closer.
Whiskey on his breath, said:

'you didn't answer earlier,
where were you going yesterday?
In those short shorts?'

I kept my eyes on the water.
Watching the steam-
not moving,
As I felt my temperature simmer quick.
Rage boiled.
Intuitively I
Turned the hose at his face -
Without a thought.
I heard him scream...
in agony...
As he shouted foul language,
At my back.

I was no longer cornered,
Weapon still in hand.
I turned and saw him stumbling...
Away in pain, wailing...