At the Shapleigh Maine Baptist Church
the youth choir tunes up a fiddle
tap-taps the mike
woman in red hoodie presses
a Jesus Saves booklet
into your reluctant palm
Gotta love these kind strangers raising
funds for their free food locker
they woke up early to bake cloverleaf rolls
banana bread blueberry muffins mystery pie
for the bake sale
cleaned out dusty attics a forgotten jumble
of odd cups plates pots missing their lids
wicker baskets candle holders linens
clothes tools toys books
Take what you want — pay what you wish
On our way here roadside Trump sign fresh
as if for a new — or relentless — campaign
Forget the origin of this quiet desperation
at your peril
©Marika Stone July 28, 2021