As a child
I vividly remember
Roadside vendors
And fruit trucks

It was fun
Getting to pick
A small basket of fruit
For yourself

We knew that
Snacking on fruit
In the car meant
We were close to grandmas

As the city grew, developed
And took over more land
The vendors became sparse
Some remained

But now, the political climate
The division, the disappearances
People are scared
And for good reason

Today

Handmade signs
Taped to posts along the road
Oranges and Honey
For sale

The corner lot
where the family
would set up their wares
Was empty

Fresh fruit
Farm preserves
Just a ghost
As you pass by

Did they get taken?
One of them?
More?
A family fractured?

Were their children
Left alone crying?
Traumatized?
Trust forever broken?

Where do we go from here?
How do you reconcile
With those
Who like to hurt others?

When fear and harm
Are the main goal?
What do you do
When monsters rule?

04/03/2026

Posted on 09/03/2026
Copyright © 2026 Patricia J Reed