Words fly after me 
and I run barefoot
beneath the hedge.
Girl the dog follows,
sensing trouble
then kittens in a crooked row
chasing tail.
Protected by fur,
though the air is heavy
under the sill. 
Loud shouts question
dishes crash
and I run stumbling
’round the house
to the back door
up the stairs
dive deep into my closet
behind toys and books.
Engine roars,  
gravel spits
he’s gone.