The Dispossessed

(For the 17th Century to the modern anyone, anywhere woman)

Homeless, she haunts one place
than the next -- dwelling in someone's cellar
or shed. Her clothes borrowed,
her skin pale as the winding sheet
that warms their dead.
She cleans the rib bones of a squirrel
for a comb detangling
her Titian hair; and strews heather
inbetween her bodice strings
to protect herself
from any curse or stare.
A candle defines her shadow
more often
than the flame of the sun.
Look, she has mastered darkness
learning why
the spider's veil is corner-spun.
_________________________________________
The haunting portrait is by Hungarian arist, Casaba Markus.