There’s a naked woman in the street.
I happened to glance out the door,
Open to the slight breeze this hot night,
And saw her stumble into the road.

A woman without clothes, white skin
Reflecting the light of the street lamp,
Who made no sound in flight.

I watched silently, then
Slowly turned into the room.
What caught your eye, my husband asked.
There’s a naked woman coming this way, I replied.
He did not move to her aid, and I stood frozen,
Remembering my own rush for the alley in this
Everyday neighborhood, and he in close pursuit.
Like the nameless woman coming our way,
I knew sometimes it’s safer in the street.

Copyright © 2011 by Sara Burr