How to capture it all?
I was no photographer
My paint brushes, I have retired
And words simply do not belong
On a cover
The same way they fit
In my mouth, or march along the surface
Of these pages.
How to capture it all?
The sounds, the smells, the...
Chips, fruit and fairly products Line the convenience store shelves-- A bountiful dinner For ten dollars And thoughts heard by oneself.
The man With the windbreaker Asks for a plastic bag At the counter.
"How are we, amigo?"
Says the cashier.
"Fine,
Yourself?"
"Oh, you know, the usual. It's cold, eh? Are we braving the outside? That jacket Looks thin."
"I've layered up," the man replies.
He rubs his hands together.
The cashier prints out the receipt and The man with the windbreaker Pays in cash. The store lights hum And the ceiling fan whirls.
"Where's your kid?" the man says.
"At school. I know he plans To come back here though. Taking over Papa's business, am I right? Sometimes I don't know What I'm going to do after this. But that's life, yeah? Did you want to buy another ticket?"
"Eh, not tonight. Those numbers don't look good."
"You have a favourite?"
"Favourite of the day. Always changes."
The men watch the TV screen
Overhead
For some minutes.
The shooter scores a goal.
The man with the windbreaker
Studies the shot
The technique, the timing, the goalie's own fault
For letting the rookie
Score.
"You know what,
Let's play."
He hands over the numbered ticket Marked in blue pen. The ticket is scanned.
"Winner! Gagnant!"
The cashier slides two toonies to the man.
"Nice."
The aluminum wrapper crinkles As the man takes a mouthful of granola and digs in his pocket For spare change.
"Sorry man, I think I spent my last."
"It's good. See you tomorrow?"
"Uh-huh. I have some things To catch up on. Tell your wife I said hi."
The door chime jingles
As the man pushes the door Out into the parking lot. He walks home, no rush Eating the food as he goes.
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