I spend hours in parks, on playgrounds
places where children hang out
                MacDonald’s, Red Robin Pizza
                Fenton’s Ice Cream Parlor
some people stare, look worried
when they see me day after day
in a tattered windbreaker
and a Warrior’s cap
jotting notes on iPad Mini
I listen to mothers talk to children
gathering up words that blossom
from their lips
                you can do it, one more time
                fantastic, you are the best ever
                I love you
forming a bouquet to take home at night
when the yearning becomes unbearable
I scatter flowers in empty rooms