WOOLWORTHS
- Jul 10
- 1 min read
By Lize du Toit
incremental motion of the trolley
slack and self-conscious
one wheel squeaks and clunk-clunks
over beige and off-white linoleum
between two-litre skimmed milk
and iron-fortified cereal
what is the state of my soul?
reach over for the lettuce in the back
too many hands have touched the ones in front
four-ply is on special this week
squeak, clunk-clunk
how many spirits have access to my mind?
isle three will have the salt and descaler
you always forget and then the dishwasher clogs
put back the baby spinach
no one eats it but you
automatic or handwash powder —
which is best for cleaning souls?
wild rice or barley or quinoa
can’t remember which one’s bad
shifting glances at my squeaking cart
I feel my ears burn
do souls burn during exorcism?