it starts with part of a wrapper
to small to pick up
then add a lid to that
from thirst satisfaction
after getting that
last piece of ice
someone in a hurry
throws and misses
and all their packaging
is left on the ground
splattering food bits everywhere
attracting animals, insects
for an evening meal
leaving once whole pieces
in shreds on the ground
those few pieces
now a small heap
seeing nothing picked up
another sees no service
has been made
no refuse collected
the trash inside overflows
adding to the pile
now looking abhorrent
few even want to go near
leaving only those
requiring crumbs to eat
feasting on what is left
in this pile of trash

-Jennie Nawrocki