Ah yes Patrick, the biscuits...
One of my first jobs, when 18 or so, was a liquor firm, me in the basement
packing. Not once did I get a sip of grog, but incessantly refreshed myself on
the sof tdrinks...
MQuoting Patrick McManus <[log in to unmask]>:
> Lovely Max reminded me of being a kid when I worked in such a store for
> pocket money -the pleasure say of packing loose biscuits by hand and getting
> the weight right without using a weighing machine! -all pre packed today
> alas
> P and enjoying the odd broken biscuit!
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Poetryetc: poetry and poetics [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
> Behalf Of Max Richards
> Sent: 14 September 2011 00:47
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: snap: grocer and kitchen 1950
>
> Grocer and Kitchen 1950
>
> There's only a list in my basket -
> after school, Mother is sending me
> walking four blocks from our corner
> to Mr Miles the grocer.
>
> This afternoon I'm his only customer -
> his attention is all mine.
> What's on the list? He doesn't ask
> for it, waits intently while
>
> one at a time I name them.
> His sleeves are rolled up right and high -
> his apron is narrow, tied on tight.
> Sugar - in a flash he turns to its shelf,
>
> pounces and plonks it in front of me.
> Flour - the same. Tea - the same.
> Mustard in its bright yellow tin - the same.
> Reckitt's Blue for the wash-house, the same.
>
> His speed is astounding. I sense his pride.
> There's nothing you can reach for yourself.
> Mr Miles is the man in charge. His cash register
> is tall, silver, and clangs.
>
> On your mother's account? Yes please.
> He packs my basket, neat, firm, balanced.
> Shows me to the door with a little bow.
> I step out. It closes on me with a clang.
>
> I can walk home slowly now, shifting
> the basket from arm to arm.
> I got everything, Mum, what's for dinner?
> What we always have on Monday.
>
> We mince the roast-beef leftovers,
> mash the boiled potatoes, cover
> the mince in the pyrex dish,
> pop it into the hot oven.
>
> Max Richards
>
>
>
>
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