ACQUIESCE

I look deeply, studying the lines in her face, the turned down mouth

Her eyes are flat – blue – maybe gray

The hair is dull and has no particular shape

Who is she?

Why is she here?

Her eyes will not rise to meet mine but I can not challenge her to go away

Knowing if I speak she will not answer

She is without expression, nearly without presence – yet here she is

What does she want?

I do not remember her arrival

I turn my back to her and busy myself

She is there

I know it and I dare not look

My seeing confirms her

she gains strength from recognition

I gather some of my favorite things placing them around me … a fortress

She is not impressed

The plant I hold up high and tight, using both hands as if wielding a sword

…is withering, the leaves a sickening brown, they crumble as I touch them

I refuse her

I go to the dressing table and begin to brush my hair

I will indulge myself with fragrance, light and fresh, pleasurable

But the brush becomes so heavy in my hand

The perfume is heavy, sickeningly sweet yet acrid

It gags me

I am so tired now

A little rest and then I’ll begin my day

I lay down my head, my body so weary

And pull the covers tight

Closing out the light and her

The struggle ended, she sighs

Content in her victory