As You Walk By

,I wonder what kind of life you lead.
Are you a police officer –Walking into a robbery, gun drawn,Willing to die for the hostagesThe masked gunman has taken?
Are you a surgeon –Saving lives with miracle proceduresThat require precision, calm,And total concentration?
Are you a soldier –Just returning from a foreign landRisking your life day by daySo that I could wake up this morning free?
Are you a mother –Raising a child on your ownAs you battle cancer,Fighting to put food on the table?
As you walk by, I wonder.I live your life in my mind.
And I’m just sitting here,Waiting in our parked car,In the Target parking lot,Hoping my wife doesn’t spendToo much money inside.
This poem © Kevin Walker. Published August 2013.