Checking Out Poem by Bardof Barnet

Waiting in line at the checkout
In front of me a couple
Relish some coffee and a bicker
As they pack legs of lamb
The tissues and the jam
They don't notice your eyelids flicker

For a moment as you scan
The good and bad selections
Made down the aisles along the years
Shopping by yourself
Maybe left on the shelf
Your own brand of hopes and fears

We chat as I pack
And you squat in your box
Striking up a decent rapport
When suddenly you confide
Don't think I can abide
Being bagged for life here any more

Your eyes well for a second
Time to pay for it all
Say goodbye and quietly walk out
I watch your eyes fill
With tears at the till
But we both know you'll never check out