I’ve met so many precious people at the park
I met an old lady, with a
Cracking, raspy voice, who told me
“Smile, kid, it’s only downhill from here.”
I think of all the strangers in my life, she’s
Had the most profound impact.

I once met a man who asked for change as I
Walked past the park, to go to the store
I bought him some chicken and offered it to him
And in his rags, his long unkempt beard muffled the words
“No, son, you take it. You need some meat on your bones.”
And he refused to listen when I told him
I’m a vegetarian.
I think of all the strangers in my life, he’s
The most ironic.

Lastly, I met you
Who made me realize that precious brown eyes
Are my favorite color.
We meet at the park every weekend now, and it’s rather
Unfortunate that none of these meetings are at night
Because I am convinced that the moonlight
Would reflect off your hazel eyes in such a way
In which you, too
Can see the galaxies they create.

Let’s kiss under the stars-
They shine so brightly, only for you.