She came strolling into town with the salt water of the sea
still rolling off her back.
To an asylum of charlatans and Christian men preaching Jesus
was all she lacked.
She opened her scarlet doors to them and all knew just
where they stood. From married man to boyhood loss to keeper of the peace-
the local Robin Hood.
She offered the scent of a woman, an escape from time
current forgetfulness,
The warmth of flesh, the feel of silk and the smell of more
than cow town dust.
She concealed their sins, sheltered their secrets, guarded
the lonely heart,
But those who approached the portal of her soul
she allowed them no part.
With a nod of her head and a whimsical smile
shed send them down the road.
And left their confidences locked in her heart for
history to unfold.
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