POEM: Grocery Shopping

Original Painting by Nancy Wiley

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Grocery Shopping

We,​

My son and I, go once or twice

In a month.

He is still small enough to sit in a cart.

He is still happy to be contained,

To make eye contact,

To have my undivided attention.

Our creature comforts first,

We share a box of cupcakes,

Two each,

Firm and cool,

Swirling high

With butter cream,

Bright colors,

Candied sprinkles.

Smart how they place the bakery first!

As we make our way,

I have devoured mine,

Two mouthfuls per.

My son has devoured the frosting and tiny cake bites.

We move to produce

Me with greasy fingers and a list,

He with wrapped cakes and a frosted mouth.

A stock boy with paper towels takes

One look at us

And offers up some sheets.

As I bag cut broccoli

My son offers to exchange

His cakes

For a piece.

I in turn waste nothing.

Next we pass the aquarium.

He spots lobsters.

My choices are less glamorous.

Mostly we eat catfish.

On we go,

I must admit

Losing momentum

The best of it really over,

Toward utilitarian aisles

Of cans and plastic,

Cardboard and glass.

We both squirm thirsty as our sugar levels dip.

Smart how they place coolers of soda so near the end.

We get our second wind

As we head toward checkout.

Waiting, we are not distracted by the candy.

I reach for a magazine.

“Lose 10 LBS. in a week”

“Flattering bathing suits for your body type”.

I put it down,

Glad I ate the cakes.

Then I empty the cart of all its contents,

Including my son,

And pay the bill,

Usually forgetting to pay for the cakes.

Then once out the automatic doors,

We hop on the cart

And ride to the car.

As published in "Better Look" by Catherine Valleroy