Violet

Not one tooth in her head,
she stood in front of store windows
all day,
dabbing at her mouth
with embarrassment
She relished one hot cup
of coffee,
while I waited for the bus,
never allowing me to pay
but appreciative of a face
across the table
that did not stare

After months,
she opened up
a bit
...enough to tell me
she'd had a
government job
and that she had to remain
hidden and alone
I did not believe her,
but played along and
always met her at the
cafeteria on cold winter
days
to check if she was still
alive

In April, I told her I was
leaving town to get married
and start
a new life

She nodded.

I didn't see her for a few days
then on Thursday afternoon
she appeared with a gift
in hand
Silver sugar tongs
wrapped in paper and foil
she bought for me
without betraying any emotion
or perhaps with grace
displaying it all

I still have the tongs
and think of her on holidays
a remembrance of Violet
Who had a job with the government
but must stay
hidden and alone
Like any violet.