no plan

i go into the safeway
without a clear plan.
hunger is setting in.
i take a cart and roll
it down the aisles.
the wobbled wheel steering
me to where I don't
want to go. I rest
and admire the glimmer
of it all.
even the cans of beans
shine. the olives.
the foil pans.
all heavenly objects
in orbit.
i walk around store,
then circle back again.
i'm making friends.
i nod and wave to all
the other men, scruffy
with three day beards,
in long coats, watery
eyes, some women
too with strollers,
or riding in the scooters,
wearing flowered hats
holding pads and pens.
purses on their shoulders
as large as hens.
the deli man says hey,
back again?
i stare at the rotisserie
chickens
spinning slowly,
basted brown,
in the silver oven.
it's a good store. clean
and polished,
well lit. the pyramids
of pears and apples,
set high. dead fish on ice,
blue eyed,
yesterdays bread at half price.
i can't think of a better
way to spend time
so late in the afternoon,
so late in life.