Monday Morning Early

Rounded ovals of color fall loosely into the jar shortly before the store opens first rays of dawn creep over the houses, buildings on this small street the children stir from their cocoons and rise put on their fall garb, wrap up tight late September wind begins to blow collars lift, boots are pulled on nostrils flare, slightly red traffic growls to life, busses hiss then vacuum seal passengers on their way grown ups with no time to play kids make a last ditch effort to fake sick then head out over the 10 blocks a few stop by the store look at the jar pull out some coins something sweet before school to soothe the sting of challenges, being so young.