The Unknown Woman

She sits on the black metal bench, her legs crossed at the ankles. Her head is buried beneath a multi-colored knit hat... in the middle of July! She is shrouded in a long-sleeved floral blouse that hangs loosely over her slender frame. Her faded jeans have seen better days and are cut off at the ankles, revealing socks-less feet in a pair of once-white sneakers. To her right rests an old navy blue stroller stuffed, it seems, with thousands of plastic bags tightly knotted together of her life's possession. From my vantage point, I watch as her lips move in deep conversation with everyone, and no one in particular! Then I wonder... Is she contemplating her next move? What's on the agenda for the day? Or, is she wondering if this is how she'll spend the rest of her life--no plans--no agendas--no idea of what's next. But, she's interrupted by the security guard who motions to her to keep moving. The woman, without hesitation, without objections, uncrosses her legs, straightens her back, and reaches for her stacked stroller. She pushes slowly. Unsure of which direction she should go. Unsure of what awaits her at the next corner. The red light changes to green. My bus lurches forward. I crane my neck as far as I could. The unknown woman fades from my view. Her plight...pasted forever on my mind. ReplyForward