Central Park

By Sarah Shapiro

I took you to the zoo today,
although you were not there.
We marvelled at the parrots,
slowed down going by the bears.

I watched you as you watched the seals,
linked arms with you at snakes.
You gazed at the gorillas
for as long as wonder takes.

It's not so hard being by yourself
It's not so hard to walk
along the paths of Central Park
if you've got with whom to talk.

But to look a thing of beauty
very closely in its eyes,
that's going too far for a heart that knows
it's alone.

Hence these lies.