late model, maroon Pontiac pulls up
finding the last non-handicapped spot
in front of the Quick Chek mini mart.
Engine idles to keep the heat coming
on a day the news calls a wintry mix.
Doors on all sides, back hatch flies open,
sloppy kids spill out of every opening.
Hitting the ground, they straighten up,
hike at their pants, pull at sweatshirts,
dust themselves off, push hair aside.
Mother shuffles straight to the coffee,
pours a cup, reaches for half and half,
shakes the sugar packs too many times,
tears, dumps, discards, red stirrer last.
Too much on her mind, getting old now,
not much to look at, clothes are worn,
bargain store quality, mismatched colors.
First sips bring a tiny smile, a huge sigh
before securing the white plastic lid.
Summoned back to reality by her son,
almost six feet tall with a voice and
enthusiasm of an eight year old-
Mommy, I’m getting this for me and
I found this for Daddy, they both stop
briefly to smile at each other.
finding the last non-handicapped spot
in front of the Quick Chek mini mart.
Engine idles to keep the heat coming
on a day the news calls a wintry mix.
Doors on all sides, back hatch flies open,
sloppy kids spill out of every opening.
Hitting the ground, they straighten up,
hike at their pants, pull at sweatshirts,
dust themselves off, push hair aside.
Mother shuffles straight to the coffee,
pours a cup, reaches for half and half,
shakes the sugar packs too many times,
tears, dumps, discards, red stirrer last.
Too much on her mind, getting old now,
not much to look at, clothes are worn,
bargain store quality, mismatched colors.
First sips bring a tiny smile, a huge sigh
before securing the white plastic lid.
Summoned back to reality by her son,
almost six feet tall with a voice and
enthusiasm of an eight year old-
Mommy, I’m getting this for me and
I found this for Daddy, they both stop
briefly to smile at each other.
5 comments:
So you are a people watcher too. I love how you can make the ordinary - extrodinary.
Have a restful Sunday.
Both this and the baseball thing work quite well.
I like the two sides of the six foot kid.
Isn't it a small world. I have become a new fan of Melody. Your plumber should be very proud. Have a beautiful Presidents Day. No day off for me, I'm heading to work.
a picture I have seen the verse came through perfectly
Dear Lorenzo,
You describe accurately one of the common events of life. Your words visualize the scenes as they happen.
This is my favorite part
"Mother shuffles straight to the coffee,
pours a cup, reaches for half and half,
shakes the sugar packs too many times,
tears, dumps, discards, red stirrer last."
Wonderful!
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