Short-List Shopping

A trip to the store, 
remains a reflection of my demeanor. 

I can go and not make eye contact with a soul.

Or bump into old friends and catch up over steaks. 

And when I feel light and open to stories, 

Guaranteed, without fail

An old person stops me mid aisle, 

their life story, I will hear 

Today was no different as I felt happy and free

Picking up just a of couple things. . 

She was a sweet old soul,

73 this August

No taller than Emma 

With a twinkle in her hair.

We talked of her late husband

Who had served in the veteran war

Of her grandson who had served twice overseas

And now attends school.

We talked of our daughters and parenting teens.

Of loss and change

Letting go and letting be. 

We talked of her life, growing up surrounded by hippies.

The spirit of her generation 

and how she does yoga.

With a hug and her words

“We will run into each other again”

She pushed her cart down the aisle

As I completely forgot,

what was on my short list.