Shopping

the touch
was almost familiar
and the way her shopping trolley
aligned purposely alongside mine
suggested she knew me
the kilo bags are over there
she pointed with her chin
shyly smiling leaning in
as if to say, yes, I know
you know that
explained
I had no need
for a kilogram of carrots
especially if they go bad
as two weeks ago
you can always
juice them
she advised wisely
as if to say you mean
you don’t
a lot of work I observe
with containers full on the shelves
she gave a ‘c’est la vie’ wave
and wheeled away wondering
who I was anyway © 24 March 2009, I. D. Carswell