Escapes for Julie Hay, circa April 26, 1986

by Diane di Prima

I thought I was teaching
Thought I knew some thing
Till she came to my door, one baby
in a stroller, one toddler     held onto
her hand
               Where she wanted to know
shd she go?  Chernobyl had just
                                            happened
the wind had changed     the FALLOUT
was moving across the Pacific
& this young mother
                                her tiny
wad of cash     her broke – down
car                   prepared to drive
to take her kids
                                  to safety
ready to
OUTRUN THE WIND