Checkout at the market
There she is
21 years old
Dropped out of high school at 16
Baby in one arm
Five year old at her feet
Two different fathers
They both left as soon as they knew she was pregnant
She lives with her mom & grandfather
The purchase:
A six pack of Blue Ribbon
A six pack of Schlitz
Two bags of No Frills Potato Chips
A bag of Cool Ranch Doritos
A box of Ring Dings
A can of Cheeze Whiz
A box of Hot Pockets
One can of baby formula
A box of Tampax Pearl
The cashier scans the items and notices the bruises on her arms and around her neck
Nothing is said
She gives the girl the total
She tries swiping her card
It’s declined
She realizes she has only a certain amount of cash
She decides not to purchase the baby formula and tampons
She knows what’s priority & what isn’t.
Rated for Mature(17+) 
Categories:
PoetryLiving the ‘merican dream
Bookmark
Summary:
Happy Memorial Day to all
Copyright @ All rights reserved
Post / Chapter Author
First of all, this is a sad reality for all too many. The thing is, we judge without knowing circumstances.
Ok. PC stuff out of the way.
She kept the Cool Ranch Doritos and his bruises were probably worse if he’s still alive.
Nuff said.
It is a sad reality for most. But her priorities are fucked! Thank you my friend. Appreciate the feedback!
Powerfully written, highly realistic, and illuminating poem on some people’s lives. You wrote this so well, my friend. The ongoing tragedy is captured with vivid and clear storytelling that gives the reader a glimpse into what is going on with this woman through observations so clear that I can empathize with her. She seems to be a result of an upbringing that left her lost. And you illustrate this perfectly here.
John
Tragedy & the dark. As you can see that’s what I love to write about. It comes easy for me to illustrate. Thank you John.
Truth be told. Life is often cold.
Thank you Joe.
Another write that punches you in the gut. Well done!
Thanks M.E. Appreciate the comment.
Powerfully penned, Keith. Priorities lead to choices, great write my friend. Appreciate you.
Damian
That’s the truth. Appreciate the feedback.
Priorities schmiorities… it is indeed a sad reality for many as Adira stated. But I mean come on??? I’d free bleed if it came down to feeding my kid, something’s gotta give here…
Also hope the POS who gave her the bruises got what he deserved..
Well done my friend, you’re amazing as always!
xx
~P.G💋
Hello P.G Thanks so much for the read and comments. Sadly, this a reality for many in this country. xo
You did a great job with this, dear Keith! You are a precise observer and fantastic and non judgmental storyteller who léaves it to the reader to make up their own mind. Concerning me, I pity the woman but at the same time I can’t understand that her baby isn’t her first priority. If possible, breastfeeding would be a wise idea to give the child a solid basis for a healthier life. Maybe, just maybe this baby could be the person to break the vicious crcle of violence, poverty and hopelessness.
Hello Sappho. Options were there for this woman but she chose what mattered for herself, not the baby. You hope the kid has a brighter future, but the % of that is very slim. Thanks my friend.xo