When you went in or out of Ross’ Grocery

the bell on the door would slap at the glass 

so hard sometimes you thought it would break

and on really cold days 

Mr. Ross would come out of the back of the store

say cold enough for ya

and give you a cup of hot cocoa for free

the cocoa always had marshmallows in it

and Ross’ store had a drink machine

with a slot for Yoo-hoos

you put in a quarter and got Chocolate Soldiers

pickle barrel in front and a grill in the back

best fried bologna I ever had

and that little store 

with the free hot cocoa and cold Chocolate Soldiers

that store was his life

especially after his wife passed away

and everyone knew Mr. Ross would stay late

said home wasn’t home now that Millie was gone

and a stranger walked in on a warm summer night

the bell on the door slapped at the glass 

Mr. Ross came out from the back of the store

said hot enough for ya

and the man broke down when he testified later

shotgun pointed straight at his head

Mr. Ross closed his eyes and he smiled and he waited.

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