Edge

I walked slowly and

listened intently to my foots steps

rhythm with the clamor of my heart.

On the edge of freedom

my life narrowed suddenly and

something I held dear shrunk to silence.

Inside an austere bleak court room

the stink of  cheap cigarettes rose

air vanished

my hands held each other in solace, laid

calmly on my warm blooded thighs in resignation

fingers hugging in anticipation

everything

even the ticking clock was waiting.

I thought of how poorly I slept last night

of how poorly I ate this morning

but to be alone here today; this is Poverty.

This will not harm me I thought; Loneliness.

not like the judgment falling on me by

the least person who knows me.

There are so many people in my loneliness

who will not reach, who will not speak, 
who will not.