To Market, To Market

TO MARKET, TO MARKET As big-box supermarkets became the rage, most small grocery stores closed down. And the constancy of change set the stage, for different looks all around town. The big new markets were open all day, every day of the week and all night. But to me this was quite okay because shopping at night was my delight. By going at night I avoided the crowds and parking was easy as could be. The aisles were very empty and still and the shelves were restocked for me. But as I wandered through the large place my memory would play all kinds of tricks on me. Passing the poultry so neatly packed and spaced, I'd remember going with my Mom to where live chickens would be. And she'd pick one out to meet its destiny. As a child what followed I'll never forget from that time on, no chicken for me. I quickly moved down the aisle to think what next to get. My mind wandered a bit and my memory got blurred as stuff on the shelves reminded me of different times and style. The quiet was deafening and nary a sound was heard except for the cash register ready at only one aisle. I think of the times I went with my late wife to buy a few items we needed just then. It brought a tear to my eyes as I thought of my life and the changes death made just shopping again. I passed the closed Deli and wondered out loud Do I miss all the noise or just miss the crowd? I don't really miss any at all as I think by myself and I take a can of pea soup off of the shelf. Being alone in the store amid food galore Allows me to think of all kinds of things as I wander through empty aisles in the store. I do check my list just to make sure I have what I need before the register rings. I glance at the peanut butter jars all lined up and I remember the days when I couldn't get enough. I picture myself as a kid way back then following my mother around like a pup. Things were different back then and some stores where we went had sawdust on the floors. I never found out why. As I passed the refrigerated meat counter of now I remembered the butcher and parts of a cow hanging like socks on hooks above the gleaming high white counters that I couldn't see the tops of. So my mind wanders as I go through the aisles and I think of the differences that time will tell. The candy store, the baker, and all that great smell are all gone forever just like fashion styles. But shopping at night is still my delight and bringing back memories is not bad. So I'll continue to shop mostly at night and remember the thoughts that I had.