The homeless man on the corner
playing the harmonica
(oh freedom)
while his deeply devoted dog
listens lovingly
The waitress at Clark’s on Belmont
stereotypically chewing gum
(from the gumball machine)
while giving me my pancakes
with extra syrup
The old man downtown
flying a kite in July
(just outside his apartment)
while waving at the el train
as it passes
The cashier at Walgreens in the loop
chastising me for my breakfast
(donuts and Dr. Pepper)
while sending commuters
on their way
The loud overweight man
appearing all over town
(seriously, everywhere)
while trying to engage me
in conversation
I miss these people
(but I don’t know them)