What might be the old woman's fears as she waited for a long time at the crossing?
The old woman's fears as she waited at the crossing might have included several concerns.
She feared being hit by carriages or horses on the slippery street, and falling down due to her weak and trembling feet.
She also feared being ignored or pushed aside by the crowd, and not being able to cross safely on her own due to her age and physical limitations.
Explanation
The poem mentions that the woman was 'afraid to stir / Lest the carriage wheels or the horses' feet / Should crowd her down in the slippery street.' This indicates her fear of being injured or knocked down in the busy, dangerous crossing.
Solution Steps
Fear of being hit by carriages or horses on the slippery street
Fear of falling down due to weak and trembling feet
Fear of being ignored or pushed aside by the crowd
Fear of not being able to cross safely due to age and physical limitations