coffee in the park

I took a coffee and read a sign

Walked to the park and watched the carnival tear down

The elephants followed the mice that followed the cats into

An old woman’s purse which she closed after lighting a smoke

I watched her for the longest time and couldn’t say who she was

She looked up and caught me staring and said, “I have no story for you.

I am here just like you without a past without a tomorrow. We must now imagine.”

Then, at that moment I felt great joy

Everything became valid

As the carnival left town

In the warmth of the sun

On my face