Woman Running from City Alley by Michael Lowe
In a dirt alley, shaped by decay and weeds,
a young black woman in a yellow dress
and white high heels, walked ahead of me
holding a sleeping baby across her shoulder.
A used shopping bag filed with diapers and
toys hung from her arm. Mud clung to the
wheels of a purple suitcase, as though it
was trying to stop her from leaving.
When she noticed me, I smiled,
and tried to make a face that suggested
she had nothing to fear from me.
But, why should she believe
me I thought–for I am a man,
and she has seen that face before.
–Bison Jack
Her Two Cents
She has seen that face before
a face that suggested
she had nothing to fear
But, why should she believe
a sleeping baby across her shoulder.
Indeed.