I stand where I’ve stood for all my

Off-shelf life

When I meet Lilly the first time.

The bustling crowds disperse,

Chatter fading between booths,

As she makes her way to mine.

With awe we meet eyes,

Hers curious,

Mine open wide.

I cannot move,

Turned off—stationary

but she must have seen some sign,

For she reached out her hand,

Resting it onto mine.

And for the first time

Emotion rises underneath all this plastic.

This little girl that possessed the world,

And offered it to my static.

But then “Lilly!” A voice cried,

(it was then that I learned her name)

And she looked off into the crowd.

A women appeared, a boy by her side,

“Lilly!” (I didn’t know humans could be that loud).

Lilly called in return

Relief her mother had earned

As she reunited with her child.

And with one glance behind

Lilly waved bye to me with a smile,

As she stepped back into the wild.