I Called the Police Because I Was Not Strong Enough

I woke up in the middle of the night
I thought it was a dream at first
I heard a voice whimpering, "stop, you're hurting me"
It got worse and louder until she was crying out loud
"please stop, please, you are hurting me"
I called the police, what else could I do?
I wanted to go next door and beat him with my cane
But in my condition, I knew I stood no chance
My physical frailty was only surpassed by my mental weakness
Besides, I had called the police, surely they would arrive soon enough
But time ticked away and his abuse continued
I called 911 again and asked where the cops were
They just told me, "on the way".
Then I heard her yell for help
She hollered "someone call the police, HELP"
I said to the operator, can't you hear her yelling for help?
Can't you hear her begging for the police?
And then suddenly it was quiet
It seemed like forever until I heard a car pull up outside
I looked out the window and saw the police car
I felt relieved they had finally arrived
I went outside and told the police which apartment it was
They stood outside and heard nothing
They knocked on the door, no one answered
They waited a few minutes and then left
I laid there all night wondering if she was dead
I laid there wondering if I could have done more
Cursing myself for his damn stroke
I should have done more
Should have risked my life
The cops should have broken down the door
If I owned a gun, if only I owned a gun
I wish that it had all been a dream
But it was not
And the police were just as afraid as I was
Two men with guns
Able-bodied, trained protectors of the peace
Turned and walked away
 
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(a true story entered in the comp:" Enough")