today I walked into the post office.
just inside the door that never locks,
and the silver trim protectively surrounding her,
i saw it.
up against the corner swept weekly,
probably daily in the winter,
almost already behind me,
was a lone white plastic sack.
the contents inside
dwindled down to one cucumber
someone’s summer bounty,
now one of yours,
left, possibly given, presumably abandoned.
I flicked the envelopes into the slot,
turned two keys looking for more requirements,
thankful there wasn’t a spinning combination lock anymore.
somebody take her home, I thought, as I pushed the door open to leave,
and listened as it shut.
Oldest Daughter & Red Headed Sister 
Reblogged this on Under Construction ….
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How I could picture this sad scene with your words ~ “left, possibly given, presumably abandoned.” And the gentle soul who thought about it as she left the building…makes it all feel wonderfully human. It is a poem for the masses, love it. 🙂
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You have a way about you, my Photographer Philosopher Extraordinaire. There’s a possibility of me never forgetting the moment I realized the image wasn’t leaving my mind…as if to say, “write it”. I’m glad this poem had an affect on you. Thank you for your kind words, Randall ♡
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Aw, I can only hope she finds a generous soul to take her home and appreciate her, Audrey. Like a speckled puppy at the shelter, it’s always sad when your littermates go to forever homes before YOU do!
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I should have checked today, but didn’t have a reason to stop by. I’m sure it’s gone. Everyone is enjoying cucumbers this time of year. I left a detailed note on Shari’s comment about why the poem was written, if you’d like more info. Thanks for reading, Debbie 🙂
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A cucumber – or a person? So very sad to be left behind, discarded like an unwanted vegetable.
Excellent poem as it suggests far more than it says.
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No it was an actual cucumber, Shari. A sack of them left, out of kindness, for anyone who wanted them. When I passed through there was only one remaining. My disgust with life that moment caused me to dismiss it and care less about its future, which honestly is far from my normal. I’m normally sensitive to people/things left alone, yet yesterday I just could have cared less. Sad moment for me as I realized I was indifferent. And yes, I’m quite aware of how ridiculous…tis a cucumber after all. Emotional much, Audrey?!
Yeah, this poem is loaded with emotion.
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Something must be wrong with me… I’m feeling sadness for a cucumber. Please… go back and take her home with you.
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Funny how poetry works. This was by far the saddest poem I’ve ever written. I hope the cucumber finds a home. Thank you, Michael.
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Maybe instead of waiting for someone to take her home… she could realize that she ‘is’ at home… even in the corner… in a white plastic sack…… or just perhaps… she could just “bloom where she is planted”… Quite possibly… there have been many that would have loved to take her home… but presumed she belonged to another.
I’m just trying to ease the sadness I feel for her… and I dearly love cucumbers.
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Yes, this is all very very important to remember. The sadness for me crept into the poem when I realized my opinion was one of indifference to the cucumber. Sad really. I’m normally sensitive to those left alone whether a person or cucumber…the fact I didn’t care what happened either way made me sad. Silly now, I guess, but true nonetheless.
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Oh… now I’m even more sad…
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Me, too. I’m glad I explained the poem better, but it’s nice to know some people see the giggle factor. Many layers in poetry and all are needed.
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My turn!
I’ve spent the summer stepping around gifts to get in my door. Now apples are starting to come in and I’ll get even one bucket at a time.
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I think that’s a fantastic idea. The gifts you received were much deserved, C. Sounds like you’ll be busy, which you enjoy.
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I definitely do.
I’ve had more frequent and longer breaks lately than my work has allowed in years. I get stir crazy real quick. Having to force myself to sit still was what my head needed awhile back. That drove me bonkers as well. I’d rather dig ditches than sit and watch!
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Get to know yourself again, C. This happened for a reason and I’m rather thrilled at the thought of you taking time for yourself and thinking more about what you need. Enjoy having your feet up a bit. Learn a song and tap out the beat with your toes… Reflection time is GOOD.
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Sweet idea but for one niggling detail. It will be awhile before one foot is fixed so could I drum my fingers?
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Yes, I’ll make the exception… giggle
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When I had my cabinet shop, I got my mail from such a place. People left veggies in the box lobby. I was always grateful for cures.
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Something about small town livin’.. cool that you can relate to such a place, Dan.
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Someone ought to start a cucumber rescue group. That poor dear might go days without the comfort of lettuce.
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At the very least, someone to talk to, I say. Thanks for your comment, John.
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