Altar

Waiting outside a Starbucks

A Cheerio falls unnoticed from a passing stroller

And rolls to a halt on the square of sidewalk in front of me

I watch it settle into its new grey digs

Halo the concrete 

An engagement ring for my attention

Two people emerge—a couple?—their drinks on thick ice

And the Cheerio is crushed under a sandle

Turned to Cheerio dust 

Then dispersed without ceremony 

I’ve never wanted to get married anyway.