“In the Heat of the Night”

by Aaron Jones & James France

In the Heat of the Night

Three girls laugh

The wavering heat

Hot still air

Wander across the creaking floor

Grating screech

Cracks and spews

From a gurgling jug

Two men burst

Tilts the pistol

Shot rang out

Abyss of screams

Spiraling down

Lifts her froze face