Left Alone

There is a self-serve ice-cream bar

at the Mall.

I watched a person fill the small container

with two healthy scoops

of Vanilla.

Then, walking so slowly -  with

such deliberation -

choose topping after topping.

Hot fudge, sprinkles - chopped

peanuts and tiny M&M type candies -

Half way around and the hand holding the cup

could no longer be seen.

Covered with Caramel - dripping with Hot

Fudge, and shredded coconut.

He was leaving a trail for all to follow.

His face held signs of various samples.

He had paid his money and now

determined, was going to get his

money’s worth…

I sat and watched

from a distant table -

A child

on tip-toes - reaching…

he wasn’t.  He was at least 60.

He was involved with his project.

Consumed.

The kid inside him had found his way to

the surface -

and his wife was still off shopping.