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