In the grocery store

men line up with

roses, held in the

crooks of arms

like red-eyed children.

They are blue

jeans and soft

smiles. Their

loves are flowers

and a bottle of

champagne, red wine.

I am in line with

a basket of milk,

yogurt, mac-

and-cheese, some

fruit, some granola.

I am a grocery list.

Valentine’s Day

in the grocery store

alone like any other day.

I buy my food like those

men will buy their flowers.

I speak my words like

those men will drink wine.