Shopping For Groceries 2020
A Journal Entry December 4
world virus total weight less than a business card
believers and non-believers sick and dying
a prayer and a drive to the grocery store
masks wait in a spaced long line of silence
some masks can enter when other masks leave
sanitized hands push sanitized carts
arrows point on floors keep moving keep moving
no time to consider compare ask for service
impatient masks behind and slow carts ahead
aisles narrowed divided claustrophobic
forget that forgotten thing on an aisle before
mustn’t turn back masks get mad
(so much mad anger and angry madness about
but often kindness and caring too)
just follow the line and move on
do the whole store tour tired late disabled or not
to get that thing on the list somewhere somewhere
now the checkout lines begin with choice
diy self serve checkouts reduced paid labour
or the line to cashiers up against a wall
packed tight and clearly screened as everyone’s air
circulates beside above behind around
awkward emptying of big cart sideways
in front of cashier’s short till space
no room left to bag stuff still not scanned
cashier exits safety screen with handscan gun
purchase accepted with magic numbers whew
long receipt folded and a friendly smile
out the door at last a deep sigh
almost free to breathe again unmasked
stirred memories of a pet rodent maze
sight of an even longer line of masks outside
masks waiting to enter grocery store reality show
car trunk carefully packed with gratitude
returning cart a mask says you’re not in line
(breaking rules jumping ahead inconsiderate)
my mask replies No I’ve already been through the maze
I survived the customer experience
grateful to be alive just grateful to be alive
shopping for groceries 2020

(Shelley Wilson)