Artichokes and More

There are artichokes stuffed in a crate
I am mad at you
And spinach pies,
frozen
You too
Avocados, bananas
The rows of vitamins on the shelf.
All of you ...I am mad
Down the aisles.
Looking at bottles and juices
Milks and yogurts
And you, artichokes
Green
windy
Pokey things sticking out
You
I am mad
At you.

Checking out
engaging in conversation
The cute guy in a Hawaiin shirt
who helped me
asked about my travels
Northern California
Bass Lake
And four day trips to Auburn
To visit my brother who has cancer
And he shared thoughts of kindness
I cried right there
Softly
And he spoke to me
Softly
Time, where did it go?
Told me he would be right back

He put flowers in my bag
flowers in my bag
And he opened his arms and hugged me
It felt so good.
Do you see?

I am not mad at you.
I am not mad at anyone or anything.
I am so grateful for all of the good people
In the world.
Who are there to care for one another.
And I am sorry
For loss.

I will leave artichokes alone
I really have nothing against them

The flowers are tulips.
And they are beginning to open.