(A Villanelle)
Let us know what you need, I just heard the man say.
Thanks, I reply, as I push through the door.
No worries, he says, mam, and have a nice day.
No worries—really? Let’s dream big today:
maybe in tools we can find cancer’s cure.
Let us know what you need, I just heard the man say.
Stop drug addiction, and then find a way
to feed the world’s hungry in plumbing–next floor.
No worries, he says, mam, and have a nice day.
Hatred and terror, make those go away.
Find padlocks and doors—I need safe and secure.
If that’s what you need, I just heard the man say.
An end to school shootings, and climate change, pray.
(I only came here for a washer.) There’s more …
No worries, he says, mam, and have a nice day.
Axes and buzz saws? Cast evil away.
Pesticides here. (I do like this store.)
Let us know what you need, I just heard the man say.
No worries, mam … now, you have a nice day.
