Bowl 36: Anthony

he was sitting on a bench with his friend Lynnette,

enjoying the sun

bedding and belongings neatly packed next to them  . . .

Lake Eola, it is important to note, is not only home to swans

but also to people who have no other home . . .

we talked about the economy,

of hostess (and wonder bread and twinkies)

of how old, familiar business are disappearing . . .

he told me he hails from Cranston, Rhode Island

and arrived in Orlando a year ago via Naples -- Florida, not Italy.

she called out to a passing stranger, 

"I like your outfit! I have a leopard pillow like your scarf."

they admire the bowl,

and i wonder where they will put it

in the bulging packs that hold all their earthly possessions;

and i think of all the things in my life

accumulated over the years, holding memories, associations, history. . .

and wonder what it would be like to be living

with only a pack to my name

and a pillow to call my home.