i saw her there

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.