produce stand

fresh fish
the sign reads in bright
red letters
on the peeling board
that leans
against the road side
shack. trout, perch, cats.
crabs by the bushel
or dozen.
sweet corn, and melons.
lopes.
it's just a shack
with a front door,
two windows open to the porch
that allows you to see
straight through
to the back
where a woman pins wet
clothes to a line.
a fat man in a cap,
suspenders
and a white shirt
sits and rocks.
he doesn't get up.
you go over
and do your business
in the shade.
there's some negotiating
by the people
with new York and jersey
plates, but most
folks, buy as it is,
cash only, then get back
on the highway.