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The Sunday Poem: Merimee Moffitt.. In Whole Foods

Poems like this make me open my eyes. The drama and beauty of life is all around us. Merimee Moffitt runs a story by us while standing in line. You can't help but fall in love all over again.

Merimee Moffitt lives in Nob Hill. She is a co-editor of The Rag, a monthly poetry broadside.

In Whole Foods

the guy at the table in front of me is an
old hippie/cowboy with thick silver ponytail

a cashier walks over to him and this plain
woman glows as if her lights had been dimmed

seems this man just threw the switch allowing
beauty to soften her skin with color

suddenly everything about her is love for him
her plain black baggy tee shirt, loosely caught hair

non-descript jeans from nowhere become
a disguise. I can see she only dresses and

undresses for him, just this one, he with a few
feathers like a peacock in his attire. His tee-shirt

his pants hung just so, a little pretty, this guy
to attract his prize. She smiles at him

lovers making plans
even if married some 20, 30, 40 years

then she is back at the register
one more look while making change

--Merimee Moffitt

Poetry submissions are encouraged. Email theditchrider@gmail.com.

3 members like this

Comment by Margaret Randall on May 22, 2011 at 9:09am: This poem captures the moment like a lightning flash... tells the whole story with such economy of image and line! Way to go...!

Comment by Ben Moffett on May 22, 2011 at 2:54pm: Really sweet, Merimee. I think few would be able to catch this moment as you have, having never traveled this particular fork in the road. Thanks, and thanks to the DitchRider.

Comment by Dee Cohen on May 22, 2011 at 5:51pm: You've captured a lovely moment Merimee, filled with complicated electricity. Thank you for sharing this with us. And thanks Jon too! Dee

Comment by Barelas Babe on May 23, 2011 at 5:15am: Your words have painted this charming moment so well, Merimee! Love this poem.

Comment by Georgia Santa-Maria on May 23, 2011 at 7:02am: Wonderful fun. Thanks for this sweet snippet of life observed.

Comment by Richard V on May 23, 2011 at 7:38am: i could see this scene taking place in my head. well done, merimee. i've seen this same dance at the laundramat, when some couples do their laundry together. it always makes for a better day...