Book of Time VIII

Sage did outsmart them
with lottery promises.
She said, “Believe me,
robbing me is amateur.
My car has been torn in half!”

One of the thieves said,
“You want us to believe that
you’re from the future?”
Sage said, “I know the numbers
for tonight’s mega jackpot.”

The leader listened.
Rebuking his men, he said,
“We’re going shopping.
What do you want in exchange
for such a generous gift?”

Sage said, “Here’s the plan…”
She convinced them to drive her
to a gas station.
There, she played random numbers
before calling the police.

Sage said to the thieves,
“The clerk is on to our plan.
He’s calling the pigs.
You take these tickets and run!
I’ll stay here and cover you.”

The leader doubted,
“You think my men are stupid?”
All of the thieves fled,
each in different directions.
The sound of sirens approached.

Sage said, “You should go,
and stay away from the woods.”
He ran out the back.
Hiding the keys in her sleeve,
she fueled the car and drove off.

Carolina roads,
once a familiar path
made Sage feel alone.
Authoritative sirens
faded beyond her rearview.

Richard Auriga

Nassau County, NY