Red

Speaking of the Devil
a Lady in red pulled up and asked
       for simple directions to the
nearest road out of this blackened town
and when I looked in the rearview mirror
I saw no roads behind me
and my dress had turned from red to
musty grey as if the sky
       had worn off on me
but the driver hadn't noticed
never looking into the back seat
       sitting perfect
       little lady
       waiting softly as it goes
still speeding up on flattened paths
stamped out to look like roads
But when the dust came in the windows
and my eyes began to water
it was all I wanted to be back again
       driving in circles
       knowing where I'm going
       but forgetting where I was
My dress turned back to a darker red
reflected in my eyes
and of the watering tears at the corners
       no one could drink
       even thirsty bums
       that needed money in their cans
The Man who drives the car rolled up my window
and handed me a handkerchief
       and there I sat
       a velvet rose
       perfumed skin and painted lips
       and face so soft as breezes in the night
Put trust in the driver to take me anywhere
to find the road and take it out
Way out far from here this town
and in my circle I still go
       No direction
       just around.

        -- Stephanie Rusk