I CAN'T REACH MY WALLET

 

WALKING FROM THE STORE TO THE CAR

I can’t reach my wallet,

I say, walking by the bell ringer,

half-dozen spices balanced

on milk and brown sugar in my hands

forgot my bag in the car,

I’ll be right back.

Sure, he must think to himself, sure.

Dumping groceries in passenger seat

Taking out two one dollar bills

for the black pot with red letters,

two ones

Two crossed sticks incapable of merit.

This drink of water in a plastic bottle.

Jim Bodeen

15 December 2021