in that crowded square
it was just you & I
their stares were welcomed
their stares stayed out of mind

your precious child
not my own
and usually I hate children
but when you needed to
step away
and
left him in my lap
and
I almost dropped him

I almost died

I couldn't stand the idea
of living with myself
after doing something
like that

You came back to him crying
like you knew he would be
new company don't
compare to mommy

His crying didn't just hurt my
ears
I actually cared for his
approval

& you just smiled
and adjusted your glasses

in that moment in that
crowded square
under your approving gaze
I am happy

so young for a child
you can feel the judgement
we're surrounded by

but even though the child
isn't mine, I take it in stride
because the world sees me
hand in hand with you