September 15th, 2025
by Lize du Toit
incremental motion of the trolley
slack and self-conscious
one wheel squeaks and clunk-clunks
over beige and off-white linoleum
between two-litre skimmed milk
and iron-fortified cereal
what is the state of my soul?
reach over for the lettuce in the back
too many hands have touched the ones in front
four-ply is on special this week
squeak, clunk-clunk
how many spirits have access to my mind?
aisle three will have the salt and descaler
you always forget and then the dishwasher clogs
put back the baby spinach
no one eats it but you
automatic or handwash powder –
which is best for cleaning souls?
wild rice or barley or quinoa
can't remember which one's bad
shifting glances at my squeaking cart
I feel
my ears burn
do souls burn during exorcism?
About the Poet
Lize du Toit resides in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Read the poet's biography and Wax Poetry and Art publications
on Lize du Toit's Artist Page.
This poem is also featured in Comet #6,
published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
Previously published in Australia Poetry Magazine:
Purity: Lost in the Outback
by Graham du Toit
Australia Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
- Visit the main Wax Poetry and Art Submissions Page to see all opportunities.
- Visit the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
- This website and all contents ©Kirk Ramdath and specified artists.
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