Needing People

By John I. Blair

As I hear the song
People who need people
Are the lucky ones.

If that’s the case
Then in this world
I am the luckiest.

I spend my days at home
With cats as mates;
They don’t talk much.

And talk is what I need,
So badly
I’ll start a conversation

With the yardman, the librarian,
The checker at the store,
The woman next to me in line.

My motivation
For going out
Is not the things; it’s people.

I’ll yank weeds, sell books,
Stare at modern art,
Dine in restless rooms

Just for the people –
People I can chat with
Till their eyes glaze

. Because, sadly,
I’m not sufficient company
For myself.

©2016 John I. Blair, 10/27/2016