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.