the new job

this clerk, this woman
at the grocery
store, small and round,
I remember her the day
she started over
twenty years ago.
I over heard her talking
to customers.
today is my first day
she said happily.
her hair was dark, she was
young.
I remember her polishing
apples, stacking pears,
moving
lettuce into bins.
I look at her as I pass by,
pushing my cart
full of groceries,
she's quiet as her hands
work without thought,
staring down.
I wonder what day she's on now.