Keep walking. Keep walking, don’t think about it. Don’t think

about this morning, being deep in the washing when Mrs. Durfee stopped by,

telling me to meet him tonight at the Kimballs’. Couldn’t change

my dress, people would wonder, so here I am stinking of sweat and lye

walking as fast as I can, walking away from them.

Walk faster, faster, past the grocer’s, round the corner, out of view. Stop thinking

of how I go to the Kimballs as instructed. Only Helen & her older brother William

are there, looking at me like I’m part loon showing up after dark,

then their father, Brother Heber, arrives with Joseph, both dithering.

Kids weren’t supposed to be there, awake, no one but the two men & me.

Everyone’s confused,

but me. Don’t look back.

Heber says it’s late & his wife’s not at home, so come visit another time.

Like it’s an ordinary visit, like I’m the one in the wrong.

Sends the children to a neighbour & me back home.

Faster. He’s calling me back. Pretend I don’t hear.

I’m still walking, walking as fast as I can.

This is my chance. I’m being saved from the madness.

Got to getaway, getaway. Six blocks and I’m saved.

From Glossolalia (Anvil Press, 2013)

Used with permission of the publisher.

Order online or directly from www.anvilpress.com