She feels vulnerable
when walking alone.
She turns up
her music
to block out
this feeling
and walks faster.
This feeling never
escapes her.
It’s a signal
to her brain,
reminding her
she is a woman.
In a public
space.
She must be
aware.
She must stop
for no one.
She doesn’t linger
in a store.
She gets what
she needs,
power-walking
up the aisles,
headphones telling
people she doesn’t
want to talk.
She writes in
a coffee shop.
She looks at
everyone
who walks
in and out,
her focus can
never entirely be
on her words.
Image courtesy of Callum T.