Brakes screech
trembling hands muffle in protest.
Her bowed head lifts
parting copper curls.
Matted.
Mangled.
Weighted eyelids part
resisting lights that never sleep.
Confusion.
Distortion.
Trepidation prevails.
My mind aches
Legs bare and battered flinch
as the seat pricks
her malnutrition.
A bruised foot sticks to gum.
My body aches
East to West
North then South,
questions tower like mountains
answers beyond reach.
Strangers gawk.
Judgment points.
Suspicion cocoons.
Shame tugs the flannel hem
over scabbed knees.
Ragged finger nails curl
the musty collar,
concealing her femininity,
My soul aches
Defeated.
Depleted.
Her pride caves ~
Her spirit recoils ~
Her strength cowers ~
in silence.
Bolt of lightning cracks.
Rolling thunder roars.
Alarmed, her back straightens
resembling a British guard.
She springs upright
wild-eyed and dismayed,
stunned by lacey curtains
pierced by golden rays.
A nightmare.
A nightmare.
It was all a nightmare.
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