thank you for shopping at [redacted]

jean tells me he did econ in college.

it was soulless, he said.

doing what you want is worth the debt.

i say, is this what you want?

and he says, no, of course not.

we're watching all the young boys talk

about going off to college

and leaving us after summer ends.

to push carts and pack bags

and say things like how can i help you?

before calling out on the walkie

for someone else to help you

because sorry, excuse me, please, thank you

i'll say, as i knock over flimsy packages

of freeze dried strawberries, i’ll say

things like, i need nine twelve packs of pepsi

and yes, i’m serious, chad.

i already crawled under the bottom shelf

and didn’t hit my head this time

those boys, they say,

have no idea when they'll come back.

but they will. we all will.

with all our bruised fingers and soggy sneakers

begging for more.