Resolve

She breaks her heel in the crack of the sidewalk,

Cursing God’s name as she stumbles.
Her smeared lipstick draws the eyes’ of strangers.
Their jeers echo as she pulls herself together.
She casts her shoes into an alley without hesitation.
The night is young, and they'd only slow her down.
Two drunken men call her over to their car.
A familiar stench creeps into her nostrils.
Impotence leaves one man to simply watch, 
She charges double for the show.
Her hand remains inside her clutch;
The small blade remains her only comfort.
They drop her near the alley feeling satisfied.
She fakes a smile as it starts to rain.
The other girls begin withdrawing.
Hands raised, she embraces the frigid liquid.
Shivering as the night sky washes over her.
A man in a suit asks her about her shoes.
She hands him money and tells him not to worry.
He tells her she needs to look professional, 
She reaches for the money and feels his hand around her wrist.
He locks eyes with her, trying to intimidate her.
She meets his gaze with unwavering resolve.
The feel of carpet soothes her tattered feet.
Clutter fills the small apartment she calls home.
She puts a pot of coffee on and scrambles eggs.
Her shift at the diner starts soon.
She walks into her bedroom and lies down.
She smiles as the sheets begin to rustle.
“Mommy, is breakfast ready yet?”