FALLEN

the sign said open
so she walked right in
checking her wings at the door

red papered walls
in a room filled with smoke
and the smell of cheap perfume

whispered conversations
in an unknown language
heard only by discerning ears

bleary red eyes staring out
from under thick mascaraed lashes
followed her every move

working her way to the back of the room
she finds a quiet corner
to wait her turn

all the while a neon sign flashed overhead
with the words
“Welcome to Gehenna”

Ann Christine Tabaka was born and lives in Delaware. She is a published poet, an artist, a chemist, and a personal trainer. She loves gardening, cooking, and the ocean. Chris lives with her husband and two cats. Her poems have been published in numerous national and international poetry journals, reviews, and anthologies. Chris has been selected as the resident Haiku poet for Stanzaic Stylings.