groceries

the steam of fresh bread
white deli tickets, a guaranteed lottery win
aprons and smiles and sliced spiced meats
sharp pungent cheeses
sugary cereals full of marshmallows
a toy in every box
chocolate syrup, butter, pancake mix
spaghetti sauce and something for dinner
coupons cut from newspapers with care
waiting for this moment
the cha-ching of cash exchange
hellos and goodbyes and see you next times
a fair wage for a fair meal
a bygone time and place
that fell into fluorescence