i was walking in the park
and i saw sidewalk chalk and lots of little, stunted shadows outlines. I realized I was looking at the shadows of lots of little people, preschool classmates, who had outlined their shadows at around 11am and 1pm, around the noonday sun. They were short, and revolved about 20 degrees, with the feet touching. the entire ensemble was touching. i wanted someone to outline my shadow. there was spare chalk, and plenty of asphalt in the huge, paved-over playyard. I looked up at the mountains, and down at my long, ponderous but touching shadow. she was standing quietly at attention. i willed my shadow to move, and outline herself. but some things you need a friend for.