THE DAY AFTER KC’S FIRST WORLD CUP GAME

by Al Ortolani

For a while at the farmer’s market

it was a happier America. People

were pleasant, shopping in the shade

under the awning. Multiple languages,

all shades of skin, Christians

and Jews and Muslims. Hindus

and Buddhists and Secular Humanists. 

I bought Hungarian paprika, local garlic,

Mennonite bread, a bouquet of flowers

for my wife from a woman 

who sold bok choi and radishes. 

For lunch there were vine ripened 

Arkansas tomatoes, chili peppers, 

and Mexican Coca Cola. I’m certain 

someone who had never 

watched soccer in their life 

went on and on about Messi’s Hat Trick.

Al Ortolani is a retired public school teacher in the Kansas City area. His poems have appeared widely. He learned the ins and outs of soccer by following his children and grandchildren through the magic of the sport, albeit often confused by the rules.

IN THE MARKET

by Angie Minkin

Here we are again, 

an unseasonably warm day at the end of February

and San Francisco’s Alemany Farmer’s Market

bursts with early blueberries and babies, 

the first pink tulips and yellow ranunculus. 

A three-year-old in ruffles, her white dress tied

with a sash, smiles as she pushes her brother

in his stroller, her mama close by in case of trouble. 

I imagine markets in Iran, babies and strollers, 

mamas in hijabs buying dates and radishes. 

Little girls playing with their brothers. 

I imagine bombs and blood.

These babies.

This market. 

Here we are again.

 

                                    

A poetry reader for The MacGuffin, Angie Minkin stands on her head for inspiration. Her poems are widely published and she is honored to be named the 2025 Passager Poet. Her chapbook, Balm for the Living, was published in 2023.  She is a co-author of Season Lightly with Salt.