Prairie Oasis

The soft breeze lingers throughout the

long, dry grass

Grass tall enough for one to

kneel and hide

It scapes her ankles

as she scurries on through

Trying to shut out

the shouting that follows close behind

Finally reaching the clearing,

she falls to her knees

Here, the grass is

greener, softer, more tender

Holding herself together,

she listens as the voices

grow farther and fainter,

eventually dying out

A sigh of relief rises in the air

She has made it,

finally alone and free

The prairie oasis,

her private escape

A place void of regret, fear, and blame

It may seem rather unremarkable

to most, but to her,

it’s home

She is safe