To Karen, with love, from your cashier

You are angry that you have become a meme

A laughing stock

An inside joke

But you don't understand

To the rest of us, how ridiculous you seem

Eight hours a day I stand at a register

Helping mothers count their change

To pay

For what food stamps won't cover

As their child fusses in their booster

I have had parents walk away

Left their family's food at my checkstand

Their card declined

But you have the audacity to complain

That you waited to long in line to buy your cheap rosé

Karen, I'm sorry

That I took too long to bag your groceries

That your coupon was expired

But honestly

There are greater things that cause me to worry

I pray

That you will never have to walk through my line

Only a few dollars in your hand

To buy a pint of milk

With money you got from panhandling

That I won't have to watch you fumble for dimes

I hope

That you never have to know what it's like

To feel the panic in your heart

When I say,

"I'm sorry, your card didn't work"

And your blood pressure spikes

So Karen

I hope you found everything okay

I hope we had the items you were searching for

And yes,

You are more than welcome to speak to my manager

I hope you have a great day

Thanks for shopping with us today.