by G. Jack Urso
she was my first
i expected to pay more
no sir, she says, pointing at the sign
by the cash register
“10% Senior Discount”
i get the lower rate
the change rattles around my empty pocket
i would have protested
but a buck is a buck
the cats have to eat
i have to eat
i pass by rows of halloween candy and costumes
diapers
toys
school supplies
acne medicine
shaving products
beer
condoms
pain medicine
medical appliances
birthday cards
graduation cards
anniversary cards
condolences
the full arc of life
i exit the store
the crisp air hits me
it’s autumn
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