i saw her there in the store
wearing lavender ankle pants and pearls and pushing a baby buggy
while two little girls in hair bows tripped dutifully behind
i remembered how we used to play tag among the sheep pens
romping around in dusty boots and dirty jeans
unaware of our unsophistication
but having a marvelous time
i saw her there in the store
and a pang of shame and envy
twanged my heart into my throat
i hoped she hadn’t seen me.