between barcode and biscuit tin
they fiddle threads of faint recall —
small hands, unseen, unhurried—
with no need for thanks nor footnotes.
labels don’t just print; they remember.
the reds fade slower when touched
by whispering elvish dust.
they work behind the stacked cans,
among whispering expiration dates
and sideways glances
from lentils who know too much.
there’s no union for elves
who file silence into adjectives.
no wage for making “reduced sodium”
feel like a lullaby.
only the hum, slight and sure,
like the fridge making poetry
from motor breath.
.
they fiddle threads of faint recall —
small hands, unseen, unhurried—
with no need for thanks nor footnotes.
labels don’t just print; they remember.
the reds fade slower when touched
by whispering elvish dust.
they work behind the stacked cans,
among whispering expiration dates
and sideways glances
from lentils who know too much.
there’s no union for elves
who file silence into adjectives.
no wage for making “reduced sodium”
feel like a lullaby.
only the hum, slight and sure,
like the fridge making poetry
from motor breath.
.
-
Author:
crypticbard (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: July 16th, 2025 06:13
- Comment from author about the poem: ...accompanies the hermit goes shopping poem.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 50
- Users favorite of this poem: Cheeky Missy, Tristan Robert Lange, Bella Shepard, Priya Tomar
Offline)
Comments10
Cryptic I know that this poem goes with another but I can't help but feel a metaphor in this poem. Aren't we all dated and labled? Loved it
So glad this could stand on its own. Will post up the accompanying poem next. Thanks Soren. 🙏🏻🕊
Most welcome Cryptic
20% but not Pareto ….
%
"...but, whatever does it mean?" [from My Fair Lady]
“Just you wait ‘enry ‘iggins, just you wait!”
Hahaha!!!! Perfection!
...and I was born with elf ears, yea, since the LORD God told man, "...dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return, I am elvish dust indeed, I guess. Fascinating. Deliciously rendered with gorgeous imagery and an intriguing, haunting poignancy, I do so love this pretty number! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks kindly 🙏🏻🕊️
You're welcome, but of course.
Perhaps it would’ve made better sense to post the base poem first, lol 😂
Dear poet and friend, this is utterly spell-spun. The secret life of the grocery aisle rendered with reverence and wit...like a lullaby sung by the barcodes themselves. “Elvish dust” and lentils with memory? You just baptized the mundane with magic...which is always a wonderful endeavor. A masterpiece, imho. 🌹👏
I think I will wait this one out, arqios; cockroaches came to mind, I don't know why, they have absolutely nothing to do with elves - hahaha!
With bated breath,
Tony.
My Tuesday morning grocery shopping will never be the same. I shall be on engarde for the elves on the shelves, and listening for the subliminal messages coming from the freezer aisle. From now on it shall be an adventure. Witty, and oh so much fun my friend!
I guess we are all dated suppose the question is with a use by date or a sell by date, enjoyed the read
There’s even a best before date on some items and the rarer manufacturing date!
Has the hermit come across the fish counter where there are signs on the fish saying what the fish is, the cost of it and the words "May contain fish". I have!
Andy
Yup and it all started with HOT! Legal disclaimer on hot coffee 🤯
if only the shelves would speak along with the tins and cans, what a cacophony indeed...
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