I Think of You in the Produce Isle | Leah Bayley-Hay

what if the grocery store produce has feelings? then I’ve probably sent countless avocados to therapy

picking up one and giving it hope then putting it back down for a prettier, riper, avocado – that avocado’s pit probably split right in half

and don’t get me started on the tomatoes tomatoes are never good enough too soggy, too firm, bruised, moldy tomatoes can never get it right

when I scan the apples granny smiths are never my first choice but I’ll settle for them when the Honeycrisps don’t look fresh

if the grocery store produce has feelings then I would feel like a monster picking and choosing at my heart's desire – the avocado I left probably would’ve been great on toast

and the last time I was making my grocery list my mother called and told me to try bell peppers I would’ve branched out but

the bell peppers at Giant are always bruised and I can’t afford Whole Foods

either way, damaged goods have no place in my kitchen

the peppers had tears falling over their bruised skin but I left them at the store and I feel less bad about my deeds by not seeing them cry

if the grocery store produce has feelings that would make me just like you

giving me hope like an avocado putting me back because you like avocados but you don’t love them perhaps I should join the other avocados I put in therapy

I find myself relating to tomatoes not reaching the qualifications that would secure me a spot in your kitchen

and the things I would’ve done to be your Honeycrisp instead of your bell pepper your first choice, never a reluctant second