He appeared there across the street,
Exiting the corner store.
Looked left, then right, then
Left again, before he crossed
Over to my side.

Stood beside me at the bus stop
Talking on his cell the whole time—
Random streams of conversations,
Asking someone about evening plans.
Nodded to acknowledge I exist and
Got on the bus, cell still in hand,
Ear glued tightly to whoever’s words,
Riding alongside strangers.