The Quick Turn

Just a flicker,

a tightening there,

a silent, quick stir

of something in the air.

The way the shoulder pulled,

a fraction, away,

as if my presence dulled

the clear light of their day.

No words, no sound,

just the sudden cold.

A small, quick wound,

a story left untold.

And for a second, then,

the street grew thin,

and all the world again

closed in.