Windbreaker

Back from the forest
gray bark, shadowed paths
returned to the back door
slipping in unheard for just
a moment

now and then
at once
on the edge of seen

but unseen
awareness of wounds
and
weariness
impossible
improbable
unattempted

pulling off wet jacket
sodden and cold
rubbing numb fingers
waiting
dropping to the floor
lightly

she hears the thud
but only she
with open ears
wishful thoughts
can tell

It has fallen
to the linoleum
later
someone would wonder
why she'd left it
behind


an imprint unwanted
a reminder of
protection lost
proof of
unbidden
unease
a hidden
demise
wrapped in
unraveling fabric