Ripe

 (also from 2001, revised 2026) (c)

I am afraid

I will adopt another man—

each one so beguiling.

 

The grocery stores are replete—

men shopping solo,

needing help.

 

The sidewalks—

a catwalk—

of delivery men, taxi drivers,

ferry workers, bus drivers.

 

All of them are moving away from me.

 

I can smell them—

ripe for picking

 

I belong to no one.