Careful
to put items
which are well–protected
and heavy, like a quart of milk,
in first,

saving
the top for eggs
or a box of crackers
where they won’t get crushed under tubs 
of dip –
 
foodstuff
sorted by weight
and how vulnerable
it is as each purchase slides off
the belt,

is scanned
at the checkout,
then bagged with nimble hands
by the person standing beside
my cart –

they smile
when they finish
and wish me a good day,
a sincere gesture expecting
no thanks,

their job
done thoughtfully,
packing up groceries
to reduce the chance of any
damage:

a jar 
of hot salsa 
shields the bananas,
tomatoes ride above a brick
of cheddar.