It was a quick trip for lemons

sometime, maybe midday

one, two, three, 

right in my bag, plastic

(I forgot my reusable one at home)

I turned to go

and then, 

"Here's a bag tie for you,"

and there, 

a green tie was offered to me

"Thank you," 

I replied, 

looking down to my hands

reflexively tying the bag's end into a knot. 

"They never have these anymore,"

He said.

"They never do!" I said back. 

And we wished each other a good day. 

I can't remember the last time I even looked

for a green tie for my produce bag. 

But I know I've never

just been offered one. 

---
By Natassia Merrill