The Scent of Fear

When she looks into faces of people
who pass in the street she sees
empty, afraid, anxious.
Hardly any smile,
so close to madness.

Makes her wish she had stayed
within the walls of family
amid the aroma of fresh biscuits
and roast lamb.

The nights back then smelled like river,
scent of the water rising
and mingling with air.

She could see the moon
with her eyes closed.