Joe's hardware in town

it was a fine

hardware store in the heart

of town.

old men

in red vests

would show you where

to find

that exact screw

or nail,

a hammer or Phillip's head,

to secure something down.

many of them went to school

with your

mother

they'd tell you with a wink,

she was a looker,

just like you.

the right

paint?

please follow me.

the bag of salt for the driveway

is over here,

sir,

or madam.

do you need a new

broom,

or brush,

perhaps an umbrella

for when the rain

comes down,

a shovel

for the snowy

mush?

bird seed? step this way.

don't mind

the clutter.

aisle six needs a clean-up,

help

is on the way.