Protection

Along the sidewalk, crowds of darkened domes
bob along in mingled unity
under the pouring rain.
One breaks off to climb the stairs of the courthouse.
A woman is beneath this faceless umbrella.
Today is the day she frees herself from
the chains of a loveless marriage.
If she could wash herself in the
cleansing rain like a baptism she would.
But she has to stay presentable for her court date.
So capturing the spirit of her younger self,
who loved walking to school in the rain
in her pink plastic unicorn boots and
my little pony backpack,
she reaches out
with one hand
to feel the rain
patter upon her palm.
She smiles.

Written for "Promptly Poetry Challenge"  week 24
Prompt: write a poem inspired by the photo (photo unavailable for attachment; description: woman under umbrella looking up and sticking her hand out to feel the rain.

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