She squares her petite shoulders and walks down the wet sidewalk
Crimson lipstick smeared like blood
Mascara stains down her face
Caused by tears,
Which are caused by fears
She trembles in ebony heels too small
The subway roars like a hungry beast,
Swallowing up innocent citizens
She adjusts her purse,
Ignores her phone.
The small, scared woman stands her ground
Alone
A rat scurries on the litter-strewn floor
Roaches peep out of holes,
Disturbed yet intrigued of the human dealings
Her phone vibrates in her purse
Singing out an disconcertingly sweet tune
She does not listen
A shaft of silver moonlight filters through the grate above
Dust particles fly like pixy warriors
The light reminds her
Of what it means to be
Strong.
She smiles slightly and steps on the subway carriage
