The Bicycle Bleeds

when my sister fell
heels over handlebar,
I could only glance past
the metal heap

glimpses of the gushes
of blood on her chin,
on her t-shirt,
paralyzed me

Dad gave me his phone
and I made the call
to our mother, waiting
at home for us

I couldn’t conjure
words into complex
sentences or full information,
just she’s hurt and come quick