At Twenty Four
Gathered up the folds of my skirt
scrambled through the darkness
trudged through the dirt
A beggar whispered –
“Smile young lady”
Shaken and stunned
the words belayed me
So sudden I halted and feel to the ground
yet this midnight ghetto
reflected no sound
Stammered to my feet
as my fists began to curl
and wide eyes enveloped
a shadowy world
each step harshly planted
and eyes narrowly slanted
I continued
bent obtusely into the wind
a set of stern lips above my chin
I continued
Until the dawn broke free
and light burned my eyes
When my body finally loosened
into melting sighs