ODE TO A GROCER

Somebody said that
back in the day
there was always a grocer
around the way.

A grocer who knew
what folks liked to eat
A grocer who stocked
that favorite treat

they were uncles and aunts
and nieces and nephews
short order cooks turned chefs
who thought all about you

they were family and friends
to say the very least
who could get anything you needed
for a holiday feast

grocers were people
you knew you could trust
by the smile on their face
and the absence of dust

then the chains and the banks
came and scared them away
promising supermarkets
and bulk warehouses would save the day

but those companies don’t care
and their employees don’t smile
not to mention the gas it costs
to drive that extra mile

so when a grocer turns up
to serve their very best
give them some love and a chance
to pass the neighborhood test

- anonymous


• Find out more about: Shari Robins