Get Your Premium Membership

The Corner Store

The corner store across the street Was known for all its cuts of meat But also it sold milk and bread And other things you’d need instead. On Friday mornings folks would flock To sit on chairs among the stock To hear the music on guitar Of Uncle Junior (TV star). The owner’s lived at my address For more than forty years, I’d guess. As neighbors we would nod and chat Of Yankee games and this and that. Today, in shock, while walking by, An empty storefront met my eye. I’d heard the rent went through the roof And there before me was the proof. Though times must change, it makes me sad When touchstones that we’ve always had Just disappear and are no more; Farewell, my friendly corner store!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 1/22/2018 6:56:00 AM
A lovely poem with a sad ending, Ilene. I live in a village and fortunately, up till now, these small shops are managing to survive. Regards // paul
Login to Reply
Date: 1/19/2018 6:11:00 PM
Exquisite write ilene. I almost get mad that quality of life diminishes at the cost of living. :( :)
Login to Reply
Date: 1/17/2018 6:49:00 PM
Supermarkets and stores like Walmart have put the corner out of business. They still thrive in Maine, however, and when I'm there I make use of them. This poem hit home, Ilene, thanks for posting it, and more thanks for writing it. / M
Login to Reply
Date: 1/16/2018 11:57:00 PM
It is so sad that many of the Mom-and-Pop stores have had to close because of the high costs. I could feel that nostalgic feeling of loss in your poem Ilene. Lovely! ; )
Login to Reply
Date: 1/16/2018 9:32:00 PM
Superb ink Ilene. Faving this one for safe keeping x
Login to Reply
Date: 1/16/2018 5:55:00 PM
It is sad when such a great establishment gets priced out of business.
Login to Reply
Date: 1/16/2018 5:05:00 PM
My village street is a dead zone now so many have passed on, including my parents and aunt next door. That sadness is well expressed in this lovely poem Ilene.
Login to Reply
Date: 1/16/2018 4:52:00 PM
aww what a terrible shock it must be - the rents go through the roof and profits are so slim something has to give - such a crying shame for him and all the residents:-( hugs jan xx
Login to Reply

Book: Reflection on the Important Things