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