"The Grocery Store"

Note To Readers: What follows here is the very first 'Thoughts At Large' column from February, 1998. My wife worked at the old Giant Eagle 696 in Chardon. I was across town at Rini-Rego Stop n Shop 425. After Don Buchanan ran this manuscript, he asked if I had more. That began a series which would run for over 16 years.

c. 1998 Rod Ice

All rights reserved

(2-98)

It has been said that we as a people are united by our common experiences. Cataclysmic events, which sire great periods of torment and woe, serve also to cause our metamorphosis into a singular, vital entity. Ecstatic bursts of national pride author moments of our history where we stand as a civilization, not merely as a roaming pack of wolves on a globe ripe with pitfalls and pretentiousness.

With such principles in mind, what more universal need could be conjured from the vast library of human existence than our dependence on the consumption of sanitary foodstuffs?

This ritual of shopping, a modern equivalent to the role of hunter in primitive societies, remains one of indisputable importance. As did our barbarian ancestors, we give thanks for a full harvest of game and grain. But our field of conquest is no longer the wild realm of nature. It is instead, that curious establishment we denominate with the moniker of grocery store. In the true spirit of democracy, all are welcome to this bustling, brawling place of business. There is no exclusion by reason of creed, color, or gender. One need only bring a basic level of humanity to be bid welcome. Could our forefathers have imagined a place more perfectly crafted to serve as a touchstone? Indeed, the Statue of Liberty might be calling to far-away shores with a new voice: "Give me your poor, tired masses, hungering for Pringles, Pizza Di Casa, and Miller Lite!"

All find solace in the ready embrace of consumables and confections. Be they professionals and poets, or plumbers and painters, all are part of the throng that swells this colorful bazaar. From haughty to humble, they find a similar joy for having visited.

And as one, they choose from shelves brimming with flavor and fineries. Then, with a common soul, they receive a final gift that serves as a sweet garnish to their venture through this marketplace. Spoken with care is a wish for the masses... Have a good day!

(Mr. Ice is a post-operations inventory placement technician at a Chardon consumables display station.)

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