Old Woman Purple

I can see your life in purple shades
Like the colors of your conservative blouse
You are an old woman with old woman ailments
You tell me how your back hurts
How you cough all the time
Inadequately I tell you your back is curved
And your lungs are scarred
And they will never get better

I see your life told in flash backs
How you were a prisoner in your own home
Forced to stay indoors by your husband and his family
I am angry and I am sad.
Because I wish a hero for you
Someone to sweep up your small, bent body
To give it life, and happiness
But you surprise me
And tell me that when your husband died you were free
That glint in your eye
That motion of pulling down a slot machine arm
That is precious to me
Because you were your own hero.
And I will remember your story well.