EVERGREEN COUNTRY STORE

by Mariane Holbrook 

Licorice sticks, jelly beans, cough drops and gum, 
Pickles in large, open crocks, 
Seeds for the garden, liniment, salve, 
Cornstarch packed tight in a box. 

Bright bolts of fabric, needles and thread 
Patterns and stockings and lace, 
Harnesses, chicken feed, barbed wire and guns, 
Even some cream for your face. 

This was the sight that first greeted me there 
With my nickel for chores I had done. 
What should I choose from this marvelous store 
That has everything under the sun? 

I chose a pink hair bow, then put it back down; 
What good would that be on a farm? 
Perhaps a barrette that was shaped like rose 
Or a bracelet with bright, dangling charm. 

Finally, I purchased a little toy knife, 
Not knowing what boys used it for; 
But Grandma just frowned, and then turned me around 
And sent me right back to the store.