the lines are long
and stretch down
the street.

when you get
inside, there’s
a waiting room
with chairs and
free books.

all the books
are the self-help
type. titles like
‘the power of
positive thinking.’

boy, do we think
positively,
as the ladies
fill our cart.

two bags of
macaroni,
one box of
powered mash
potatoes,
three cans of
beans.

imagine the
feast! we make
magic out of
non-perishables.

walking back home
through the slush,
two bags under
each arm.

at least we have
each other and
these damn
baked beans.