Earthen

Earthen

Aaron DeWeese

At the back wall of the grocery,

Where the deli is situated,

Behind the counter,

A back-lit picture hangs,

Ice Cold.


It is of a red paper Coke cup,

Filled two thirds with nugget ice,

One third with Coca-Cola.


The drink sits upon a mossy stone,

Which lies on the dark fertile ground of a forest.


I can smell the rich soil,

Its essence strong;

More so than the baked and fried deli items,

Which are displayed and kept heated on the counter.


I know that underneath the rotting foundation of the grocery,

And that underneath the foundation of the Sphinx,

There is this same rich black and odorous soil.


I look to the left of the back-lit Coke sign,

Which itself seems to draw condensation,

And I order...


The potato wedges.