We stand like a fawn
In the warmth of the forest
Daylight is coming
It filters through the trees
And the church windows
Alice sits at the base of an old oak
The mirror held close to her face
She is lighter than me
I am the woman in black
Who fell down the stairs
And waits for crow to
Peck her cheek
Take her breath away
Quick sticks
She suddenly says
It is like a jolt in the silence
Like kicking a book in the air
Perhaps we should load up
A jalopy
Go on an adventure
A proper adventure
She declares
One that means we leave
The house
And the forest and church
In our head
I am overcome by inertia
To leave is to feel
And to feel is scary
But I will be with you she says
And nothing is scary with your best friend
The fawn chews the leaves
Watches us
The sun continues to climb
Perhaps today Little Cricket
Perhaps today
I say.
