An old family tradition

Going To The Store for groceries

back in time every neighborhood

had a independent grocery

mom & pop

living over the store

kids stocking shelves

personalized meat market

bottles returned for 2cents

we knew the proprietors

by their first name

we knew their families

we grew up with them

the independent store on the corner

the anchor of the neighborhood

 

then along came

the big box stores

the chains

the unions

the regulations

kids couldn't work there anymore

first jobs went away

and all the fun of going to the store

for free dishes or glasses or S&H stamps

came to an end

 

now we sack our own

carry out our own

even bill ourselves

at the self-checkout

 

if you're looking for an item

good luck

all the personal service

and all the personality

of the grocery store

has disappeared

 

we remember when

a trip to the grocery store

was an exciting event

now we just want to get it over with

wish we did not have to

 

can't find a place to park

it's a hike to the front door

glum looks replaced the smiles

service not required

 

neighbors replaced by strangers

a part of Americana forever gone.