By Merlot Tunnell, age 13, California
After every car crash
Hearts scurry
Cars and bodies misaligned
Phones glued to ears
Insurance chaos
Glass splattered
Suddenly nothing else
Matters
Plans evaporate
Cold sweat dries
Exchanges occur
The scene has finished physically but mentally replays
Chills rooted to that street corner await
Eyes are opened
The steering wheel grip on life
Held tighter
