Newport

There he was, standing at the edge of the food court
Styrofoam cup as an ashtray, dragging on a Newport
He couldn’t look away, he couldn’t avert his gaze
Obsessed, sick in the head, twisted thoughts like a maze
Hiding in plain sight, ready to strike like a snake
He waited for the right moment to do wrong, no matter the stakes

About 50 feet away, overwhelmed and easily distracted
A young mother juggling duties, schedule impacted
On her phone, crying child, barking dog, steamy weather
With her hands full, she tries her best to hold it all together
The dog sees a squirrel, chases it for closer scrutiny
She sprints behind it, unaware of this perfect opportunity

Moments later, she comes back, dog and leash in hand
Exhausted, she sits on the bench, using a magazine as a fan
Whips out a loaf of bread, peanut butter, and pressed juice
Lays out her book, crossword puzzle. Calls up her masseuse
Chats, laughs; in the background, sounds of a leaf blower
Pacifier on the ground, she gasps when she sees the empty stroller