Standing Next To Me Poem by Stephanie Eve Kane Arado

Blanche depended on the kindness of strangers
And while you are strange you are also familiar
I have seen you several times looking at me
A face in a crowd who gestures

First I saw you on a bike path riding
John and I were walking in a preserve
Strangely far from the ones in Lake County
You in blue slowed down nodding

Next I saw you at the White Sox field
We were walking out to the parking lot
You stood with your friends and you beckoned
Come this way, your friends are waiting

Next I saw you in the middle of an argument
My companion stormed out of the restaurant
Leaving me sitting with a plate of cold fries
You sat at the bar with your back to me and shivered

I think the last time was just before Christmas
You stood by the men’s fragrance
Purposely I stood next to you so you would hear
My commanding tone as my daughter drew near

I feel some comfort knowing that you are out there
A neutral figure showing up in unexpected places
Although we have never spoken our connection
Has stretched beyond times drawn out spaces