You should have remained
hidden in the shadow of the tree
your hand raised at half-mast
(undecided whether to cover or not
your face from the glare of the sun?)

You should have remained
behind the half-opened door
your face half-hidden
in the darkness beyond
and your torn dress
the colour of dirty earth
and through the glaring holes -
You: dirty torn, forlorn.
The moment you stepped out
into the faithfulness of the light
I turned and walked away.