sunflowers (iv)

i see them seemingly
everywhere i go and wonder
if they see me too.
at the grocery store
lined up in green plastic pots

near the sliding glass door
or by the chain link fence
in front my daughter’s school,
they stand up straight
(like i was taught to do)

and bask in warm summer
sunshine ever eager for more.
their big beautiful hearts
always seem open
and free (something

i was told never to be
about proverbial hearts
on proverbial sleeves)
forever facing the setting
sun. i see them seemingly

everywhere i go like an old
friend or a first date,
always the same and forever
new (and wonder if you
see them too).