Words that escaped

Can't walk alone

I still remember that warm afternoon

when you didn't really think

and spoke too soon.

You were an artwork

that I preserved

your eyes spoke disgust and

your tongue - knife work.

"Not even independent enough to 'walk alone.' "

To that I said to myself its fine.

You'll stand on your own feet in your own time.

You'll walk alone on the streets without looking back.

I walk alone sometimes,

They're staring at you, it's fine.

Their eyes drip of lust, it's fine.

You keep walking, don't be scared.

They're saying nasty things, it's fine.

But no-one's there.

They almost touch your skin but you manage to walk faster,

It's fine, breathe. Gather all the courage you can muster.

In the back of your mind, you know you've left a trail of fear for them.

A hint of satisfaction to revel in for them.

It's fine, sleep the paranoia off.

Don't worry about someone sneaking in,

touching your comatose body.

Don't worry about hands over your skin

and fear hanging on your lips.

Don't worry about the next morning when you hope it was a nightmare;

to find bruises on your body.

It's fine, just walk in the dark.

It's fine, just carry a knife.

It's fine, at least they didn't touch you.

It's fine, at least you're alive.

I walk alone.

They get their filthy hands on me

till I'm nothing but

filth myself.

Why did you walk in the dark?

Why didn't you carry a knife?

Why did you let them touch you?

Quit crying, at least you're alive.

I'm not sure if I'm ready yet

To walk alone.