GYWC 2024 Anthology

The Rain Woman Sarah Davies

Four days ago is when I saw her first Outside that old door when I arose Rain trickled down against my window She possessed the expression of grief Her gaze fixed the floor, eluding mine I’d attempt to escape the woman Pretending I’d imagined that dame A figment of my grizzled judgment Even if I ignored her or ran She’d linger like a shadow at dusk

The next day I ordered her to go I screamed and cried at her solemn face Her indifference made me angrier The long face, the bland clothes, the thin hat Every small thing I tried to criticize My demeanor had changed much the next day On my knees I pleaded and begged her Anything for her to leave me be

But the woman still stayed at my side Remaining like a bloodstain on wool

I wept in bed all of that next day Although I heard her slow shallow breaths Her silent presence made itself known

Ignoring her was impossible So I only lay with my despair

Now I am walking with the woman Through life I think she’s walked alongside me A familiar friend I could not see She looks like finishing a long book Or being full after a big meal Or that last breath you’d take before sleep And as she’s guiding me through that old door I don ’ t think anyone will miss me

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