a reader of labels

I have become a reader
of labels

at this age.

I have become one of them
standing

in the aisle with a can or jar
of something

and squinting at the small
print

examining the contents
of beans,

of fish, of olives.

how much sugar is here,
the salt,

the syrups or carbs.
what am I putting into my

body.

i need a chair to sit and
ponder

this package in my hand.