IRON GATE

Pungent Juniper berries
rolled between finger and thumb
recalls rough red bricks

behind fragrant bushes and
a wrought iron gate.
Mamma's friend snuck her into the laundry
at a fancy apartment building
stowed away from
a seamy world outside.
"No children allowed"
I was told.
I sat obediently on cold concrete
steps outside for eons
waiting...
waiting -
Sleep.
I would wake up with a wrinkled cheek
and wonder how I got home.