Love is in the Air or is it?

Yesterday, on my way to therapy, I walked past the little shopping center near the office.

Everything is hearts and “love is in the air” but what I saw felt different.

Almost Valentine’s Day

Almost Valentine’s Day

and the lonely souls wander

the small shopping center

like prayers with no altar.

One man stumbles toward the liquor store

another exits, older,

paper bag folded tight around his arm

as if it might hold him back together.

Companionship waits inside

lined up in glass curves

dark and gleaming

all willing

to offer warmth for a price.

No roses.

No cards.

Just the romance of a bottle’s body

whispering

you’re never too old

to feel something.