In the garden

I saw you at the botanical garden today.

Did you see me?

You were celebrating a large family birthday. 

I sang along with you as I walked past. I

 hope your abuela has a cumpleaños feliz.

Oh, you? Yes, I saw you, too. 

I hope she said “yes”! 

Your decorations were beautiful. 

Yeah, you didn’t notice me, but I noticed you. 

I admired your daughter’s dress. 

It may have been the poofiest I’ve ever seen. 

I hope she has a wonderful quinceañera.

You were hoping to be seen! I saw you, 

and I heard you! How wonderful it is 

to have friends to sing and act with in the park. 

I hope your theatre troupe succeeds in all it attempts.

Yes, you, and you, and you. 

You were painting with friends.

You were reading a book alone.

You were carrying her heels in one hand 

and holding her hand with your other 

as her more sensible shoes flipped 

and flopped as you walked together.

You were playing with your rock band. 

You were chasing your toddler.

You read every sign that I also stopped to read.

All of you—so many picnickers at once. 

I wish I had a blanket to lay down, 

so I could relax among you. 

Such a gift to a city—a free botanical garden 

where flora, fauna, and expression have freedom 

to thrive and rejuvenation is just one deep breath away.

Thank you for being here with me today in the garden.

And remember: don’t feed the lizards.