Saturday morning in her wellies
skirting puddles wide as lakes
hunting wild apples,
honey and eggs.
Signs of spring – new rhubarb
garden plants waiting for homes
tomatoes, basil, beans.
The baker offers bread, croissants
next to the local coffee brewer.
The Cambodians offer the green of desire
tiny lettuces, lemon grass, and plants she can’t name.
The woman comes with her tote bag
draped over shoulder.
Selects two tomatoes, $3.25 a pound,
lettuce that fits in the palm of her hand, $3.
Bypasses the ten-dollar butter and milk,
the almond croissants, but oh she wants.
Two vendors take food stamps
help that doesn’t go far enough.
She watches the farmer’s son balance
thin summer squash on the scale
until she reaches her limit.
Makes her way back though the muddy lot
wishing for more. Happy for what she has.
