She’s standing, Barely

Walking.

So far from home,

Unaware of what is beyond.

Children eat cereal with water filled with dirt.

Teenagers die from committing suicide.

This isn’t a nice place.

So why are they here.

Why can’t they go?

Why can’t they go away from here?

Cats bleed from their eyes as they hiss at the children,

Who are starving enough to kill the poor kittens.

Boys learn to fight young.

So very,

Very young.

Girls learn to wear small clothing.

So very,

Very small.

A woman is standing in her doorway.

Her house is falling down.

She knows it can’t stand.

It’s four walls with a poll in the middle.

Do you think it can hold?

Oh no.

Never.

But she’s standing.

She needs to get out.

Should she run?

No.

Oh no.

Her leg is broken.

She can’t run.

She could limp?

Yes.

Oh yes.

Will she?

Oh no.

Why not?

She’s only barely standing.

Her leg isn’t broken.

It’s missing.