
Jake would never again be as brave
as he was at age eleven in the fall of 1974
when he blindsided the schoolyard bully
with a wicked right that hurt like hell
when fist was introduced to jaw
Freddie Trent had cornered that little kid
whose name no one could ever remember
into a corner where no teachers could see
and when no-name’s glasses fell off
Freddie laughed and stomped on the lenses
Eleven year old Jake was no giant
and he wasn’t particularly courageous
especially around the Tank on Legs
which is what he called Freddie
(but never to his face)
Jake had suffered bumps and bruises
ripped shirts and public humiliation
because of Freddie Trent
and even the grade eight boys
had Tank tales to share
When Jake came around the corner
and saw no-name’s glasses hit the dirt
followed by the snap of frame and glass
as Freddie Trent sniggered and sneered
Jake didn’t even have to think
Freddie Trent looked ridiculous
sprawled in the dirt and moaning
and it didn’t take long for word to get out
and a crowd gathered looking on in silent glee
as Jake rubbed his hand and no-name cowered
And if the bell hadn’t rung signalling
the end of afternoon recess fun and games
Jake wondered how long the crowd would have stood
staring from the felled giant to the shocked face
of a reluctant hero with a broken hand
Talon © 2009