What Falls

I was carrying two bags down the aisle,

one in each arm, milk and bread and fruit,

the weight pulling down, but I smiled,

thinking I could carry it all, the loot.

The paper was thin. With each step,

it weakened, worn down by the load.

I didn't notice, didn't understand yet

what gravity was planning to unload.

Then it gave. The eggs hit the floor.

The yolk spread golden and slow,

cans rolling, glass jars, more

and more things beginning to go.

I stood there watching it all

spread across the linoleum tile,

unable to save it, unable to call

anyone to help, unable to smile.

Other people stepped around me,

stepped on the eggs without care,

didn't stop to acknowledge or see

that I was failing right there.