A Jackknife To a Swan

Shortly after Evelyn
Was doused with gasoline
And just a few miles off the avenue
A lighter flashed into a puff of smoke
For thirty years Walter worked right there

Five days out of every week
That's where he watched his hometown fade
The last came fast and furious
Just step in one direction
Stutter step for one split second

Faster through the intersection
A jackknife to a swan and he was gone
When Walter's shift was over
He'd head out to catch the red line home
Two stops away his family slept
He'd be there when they got out of bed

Destination subway station
Someone yelled so he looked back
Five guys were heading his way
He ran to catch that last train home
Step in one direction
Stutter step for one split second
Faster through the intersection
A jackknife to a swan and he was gone

Oh Walter ran, did they kill Evelyn?
He had his token in his hand
But he jumped over the turnstile
And he ran down the platform
They were hot on his heels
An outbound was bearing down on him

Walter jumped in front of it
Just step in one direction
Stutter step for one split second
Faster through the intersection
A jackknife to a swan and he was gone