The Small Shops We Remember

It seems like a very long time ago Small shops lining the streets In some cases, for blocks Every one was different Offering anything you could want Their people stayed with them for years Not there one day and gone the next These people were your friends You knew their names and they knew yours But that was a very long time ago Before malls and superstores For sure that was a better time Friendlier and more caring But it was taken away by money And sadly, those small shops will never return © Poem – IX/XIX/MMXXIV LRET