Imagining the girl frightened
Trembling somewhere up ahead
Talked to her as I went along
Doing my best
Reassuring her I meant no harm
My words came
Slapping back at me in a disorienting echo
She asked me to leave her alone
Finding her comfort in silences
Content with the routines, the usuals
Her holy place, very deceiving
The contrasts she loved
I stepped on her words
Said I cannot bear leaving her on her own
Now that I'm here
She didn't have to be
I gave her all that I had
Answered with only a shake of her head
Telling me she doesn't want me around