"Corner Story"

By Kevin Coval

the bell signals & charms

cardboard at the entrance

for the winter slush. quarter

juices & little debbies. little

bottles & loosies. painkillers

in single servings. solo rolls

of toilet paper. land of strawberry

milk & honey buns. Papi

at the counter lives an immigrant's

dream & heartache. haram.

behind the counter camaraderie.

shoot the shit. fellas outside

scheme for the next hour, a whole

day. you leave with a plastic bag

an emoji smile that says have a nice day.

the cornerstore prepares you

for 24-hour assaults. ingredients

to survive until the sun. a clean

white shirt & breakfast sandwich

maybe.

the difference between shopping here

& sam's club is the disparity of america.

big box, target & the privilege of planning. 

a truck pallet into the back of an suv

& enough produce to feed an army.

in the same city/country

there are food deserts

& dessert trays. 

hot chips & hot towels

to wipe one's hands

or finger prints.