1978, <br />the seventh anniversary of our marriage <br />we spent the night in a van, <br />on top of Brasstown Bald mountain. <br /> <br />He slipped a pistol under the mattress <br />and said we would be safe <br />from robbers. <br /> <br />Vandals wear many disguises <br />and the violated learns, eventually, <br />to recognize the mask. <br /> <br />2 a.m., <br />wrapped in my own arms, <br />the scent of his whiskey on my neck, <br />bruises on bare trembling legs; <br />I stood naked before the moon. <br /> <br />In cold October air, <br />had to find my way back <br />to me. <br /> <br /> <br />© Shirley Alexander<br /><br />Shirley Alexander<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/something-from-the-woman-i-left-behind/
