“What if help isn’t on the way?”

by Milan Harrison

The sirens might not sound,

the call might not go through.

You could be in your worst moment 

and no one’s coming for you.

A crash, a shot, a sudden fall —

you reach to call, but wait instead.

Seconds pass like heavy stones,

with flashing lights stuck in your head.

How many more have to wait— 

just to be met with delay?

How many lives hang on the edge

because help never made its way?

All around the city,

time takes its toll —

when help runs late,

death takes control.