SECTION FIFTEEN
POETRY PAGE THREE

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COLUMN SEVENTY-FIVE, SEPTEMBER 1, 2002
(Copyright © 2002 Al Aronowitz

SHOPPING ALONG BELMONT  

They come from anywhere, but instead
we see them suddenly turn the corner--
two middle-aged women, out shopping--
caught on the hook of the city's lure.  

Plastic bags sway from their hands,
and a quick glance into their eyes,
the way water breaks and heals in a splash,
tells us about the burden of ordinary lives.  

These women washed away moon's blood
and worried under the backs of men.
Now, they take their small wage to buy
something that makes them beautiful again.  

Perhaps they get a pair of canvas shoes,
barrettes, or a small statue of a saint
to place on the night stand by the clock,
the way my mother, with muffled complaint,  

took the ration of her days and wrung it
over laundry, then spent her few dollars--
knowing how childhood is milled away--

to offer milk for tears, or plant flowers,  
just like today, when the broadway stores
are open to the price these women pay.
Oh, dear, how the world grips them.
It won't let go, but neither then do they.  ##

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