Evidence

Creased white leather unsullied

by the morning dew

protects the crumpled tissue,

stained red where she’d patted

her lips: ‘New Blood’ by Rimmel.

Lurking inside they find

a few coins; her student card

proclaimed she’d taken charge

of all her eighteen years,

controlled their adult dreams and dangers.

One strap flung carelessly,

the other still clutched

in stiff fingers.

Her scarlet life spreads out

and her cheap perfume lingers.