Jimmy's Corner Store

Candyland

Jimmy’s corner store. Aisles narrow as a snake hole.
But crammed with such delights! Now or Laters, Snickers, Funions aisle 1. M&Ms, Kisses, Crunch aisle 2. Coke in the cooler.
Why candy in two places, Jimmy never said. But it was all good, though.
Man, to be 7 again!


Sneakers

Jimmy’s corner store. Aisles narrow as a snake hole.
“Yo, you stepped on my sneakers, man!” Gold tooth flashing. Other teeth locked.
“So, what you gone do!? Feeling froggy? Jump, fool!” A hand darts to baggy Silver Tabs.
“My bad, yo. Wasn’t you.”
Both walk out to cool air.


Return

Jimmy’s corner store. Aisles narrow as a snake hole.
That twists and twists and twists. How was I ever able to squeeze up in here?
“Hey Jimmy, y’all remodel? I can’t turn around!”
“Na’ll, you just got growed. Got yo’self a spare tire too. Heh Heh.”
Everyone has jokes.


Hole

Jimmy’s corner store. Aisles narrow as a snake hole.
But another hole appeared, and swallowed the store whole. Now just a field of dirt, debris, disgust.
“Where’d Jimmy go?” I asked an old man.
“Jimmy B? Gone. Dead and buried. Store followed close behind.”
Damn, yet another institution dusted.


Rebirth

Jimmy’s corner store. Aisles narrow as a snake hole.
New store, but same old style. Jimmy Junior did it up correct, yo! Right down to treats in two rows.
“JJ, why candy in two places?”
“That’s how it was. That’s the way it will be.”
Damn skippy it be.