New verse by poet Michael Hall.

Tip Top Bread

The sound that a loaf of bread makes

when it hits the supermarket floor –

is the sound of a heart breaking.

No one really hears it, though

a few nearby in the aisle might see

the person picking, to stoop it up.

Then trying to return it to its earlier

shape – before placing it in the trolley –

as you push your own half empty

heart, even as you walk right past.