Things Heard in a Grocery Store Line-Up

What a fucking idiot.
Who the hell you think is getting all the money? It ain’t us that’s for gd sure.
You know, socialism is the only answer. Socialism is for the people, not the rich. 
The rich can fuckin’ die for all I care. All I want is to be able to afford to pay my mortgage and eat.
Declined.
I’m sorry. I don’t have enough money. I’ll have to take something out. 
Mommy. Please can I have a bag of Skittles? 
Put it back! I can’t afford it.
Isn’t [that] on sale?
	No ma’am. That brand isn’t.
		Oh. Oh. [pause] I can’t afford it.
Howling, tired cries of a child sitting in a grocery cart.
	Stop it or I’ll give you something to cry about.
Where the hell do you hide the fuckin’ baking soda?
	In the baking aisle, sir. Top shelf. Beside the baking powder.
Your PIN is invalid. 
I don’t remember it.
Ma’am You’re holding up the line.
I'm sorry. I just can't remember it.
Then you'll have to go and come back when you do.
But it's such a long walk.
I'm sorry ma'am. But you're holding up the line.
Hi. Can I help? I don't mind paying for your groceries. It's only cat food and milk.

Things Seen in a Grocery Store

	Overburdened cart abandoned at checkout.
	Half eaten apple on canned soup shelf.
	Footprints in trail of flour from broken bag on floor in baking aisle.
Couple making out in produce aisle.
	Child sitting on floor crying. 
		Mother yanking at child’s arm.
	Child sitting on floor crying.
		Mother sitting on floor beside child, soothing them.
	Man eating unwashed, and unpaid for, grapes from bag in basket as he shops.
	Broken jar of jam on the floor of the Coffee. Jam and Sundries aisle.
Woman touching and firmly squeezing every tomato before choosing one.
	Child running, slipping on spilt milk and skinning their knee.
		Father angrily yelling at them to get up or else...
	Two young siblings fighting over who gets to push the cart.
	Two young siblings racing two empty carts down frozen foods aisle.
The ‘a’ missing in the B_kery sign.
No twist ties in produce section.
People who smile at the cashier.
People who don’t acknowledge the cashier.
People who leave their groceries mid-way through checkout while they go search for that one forgotten thing while everyone waits, and waits, for their return.
 
Things Felt in the Grocery Store

Frustration.
Anger.
Worry.
Fear.
Joy.
YES! They have the spice I’m looking for.
Impatience.
Judgement.
Consternation.
Intimidation.
Relief.
Frozen pizza’s on sale!
Bewilderment.
Confusion.
Hopelessness.
Anxiety.
Hopefulness. 
There’s fresh bread.