The Stone Shield

I drift back here, in my thoughts, to this little stone sitting quiet over the town. No name on it, no years just a worn thing settling into the earth like whoevers beneath it slipped away unnoticed. When I was a girl this was my hiding place. Down there, Father was in his bottle and Uncle - Up here the wind dances wild - wraps me safe. I’d sleep by this stone, dream it may shield me. Whispered to it too silly girl I am. I’d slip free leave them in their own shadows. And I did. Didn’t I? Why does it hold me? Because it never reached for me I think. If my time runs out - and it’s close I feel it - I’d have them lay me here. No marker no fuss. Just the stone the wind and me. Enough. -Sylvette