by Franki Elliot

 

 

I watched a man my age with a cardboard sign that said:

former vet. I felt his sadness.

 

I watched a nurse in pink scrubs light a cigarette and exhale.

I felt her anxiety.

 

I watched a teenage couple hold hands and kiss as if they were alone.

I felt their simplicity.

 

I watched an old man with a cap and suspenders carrying one small bag of groceries.

I felt his loneliness.

 

And when the bus swept them all away, I saw nothing and felt relief.