making new friends

my coat

is stolen, or given away to someone

else at the end

of the play.

it's freezing out,

and the only thing left

on a hanger

in the coat

room is a long pink 

coat, embroidered

with leopard fur.

it's been there for a few

years,

unclaimed.

it's cold and it's raining out,

so i tell

the clerk, okay,

i guess i'll have to take

that.

i put it on and leave the building.

immediately

i'm surrounded

by a group

of young people

telling me how hip

i am, how brave

to come out like this,

especially at my age.

they want me to be on a float

this weekend

at the LBGQT plus 3 parade.

grudgingly,

i accept.

it's good to be loved though,

and make new friends.