she waits in stillness
lacking motion or emotion
cautiously glancing through lace curtains
as fierce clouds unravel
she remembers an old ball gown
some forgotten party frock
for a party where no one was invited

can today be different
will she be reunited or unrequited
like a hundred times before
the choice laid bare before her
that elusive vertigo of passion
versus the equilibrium of loneliness
where closed hearts tighten

or will she dare to fly
unfurling fresh wings
as she steps from the edge
expectantly knowing that
in every next second
the storm will lift
and she will see again

[2013/2025]