Don't Be a Girl if You Can Help It

So shone the lamp
to pierce the midnight-morning
as truth lurked in hallowed alleys
and spirits took wing.

So whistled the wind
amongst the petal'd arches
danced it did, like promise,
like the rats of human persuasion.

So clicked the boot
on frozen pavement.

So glittered the eye,
small and beady and clouded.

So raised the hand,

So flinched the girl.

So.

Do not stand quietly
in darkness kept at bay
by only lamps.