Back handed Assistance

Slip

slide,

near tilt…

angle precarious…

 but I’ve already tumbled from the sidewalk,
missing the curbcut in blackness.

I hold breath,

reach shaking fingers towardsp phone.

Think “Don’t spaz!”

Single passing drivers.

People pull over

with offer of aid.

I thank them.

Gritting teeth

when they say,
“Honey, you can’t go out at night,”

as  if they know me

or that’s going to happen.

Once righted,

I holler more thanks over shoulder

and race home

while they are still discussing

what’s best for me.