Missed Connections, w4w
I returned your little girl's shoe,
which she had lost under a foam orca.
I knew she had lost it because I was watching you
and her. She had on a dress with ribbons,
and tights, and little cream mary janes.
I was watching you for your sweet smile
and the retro-chic shingled bob with one perfect wave
kept back from your face with a bobby pin,
and the black kitten heels which draw the eye
to the small, old, greenish tattoo on your ankle,
and knowing there was one, I looked at your wrists
to find, concealed by a pink sweater, the start of
a bright new sleeve of more recent vintage.
And you were wearing a heavy knit skirt
in cream, with flowers. I thought at first
it was incongorous in deep winter, but as I watched
you
As I watched you, I understood why you wore flowers.
And the fabric swung against your thigh.
Slung across your back was a good camera --
Expensive enough that I thought I could use it
to start a conversation.
O sweet-faced mommy from another decade,
I looked down at my jeans and homely laceups,
and decided to let you pass without odd accostment.
Until your daughter lost her shoe.
Science Museum, Toddler Play Area
which she had lost under a foam orca.
I knew she had lost it because I was watching you
and her. She had on a dress with ribbons,
and tights, and little cream mary janes.
I was watching you for your sweet smile
and the retro-chic shingled bob with one perfect wave
kept back from your face with a bobby pin,
and the black kitten heels which draw the eye
to the small, old, greenish tattoo on your ankle,
and knowing there was one, I looked at your wrists
to find, concealed by a pink sweater, the start of
a bright new sleeve of more recent vintage.
And you were wearing a heavy knit skirt
in cream, with flowers. I thought at first
it was incongorous in deep winter, but as I watched
you
As I watched you, I understood why you wore flowers.
And the fabric swung against your thigh.
Slung across your back was a good camera --
Expensive enough that I thought I could use it
to start a conversation.
O sweet-faced mommy from another decade,
I looked down at my jeans and homely laceups,
and decided to let you pass without odd accostment.
Until your daughter lost her shoe.
Science Museum, Toddler Play Area