before Makena’s Cupcakes came to the market,

there was Amish Pretzels and Snacks of Sally,

rows and rows of freshly picked berries,

and local bakers for miles.

they didn’t need Makena,

or the fondant landscapes

on each pretty little cupcake she made.

life in the market was content.

Alek had regulars who bought

his sliced turkey every day.

Mary sold her soup in solace.

all was well.

but then Makena came.

and she brought her culture,

her heart,

her sweets,

and most importantly, her music.

the indoor market was blasted with voices

every friday, saturday, and tuesday -

choral voices praising

a being that some didn’t believe in,

but all who passed

felt the voices in their bodies.

Makena brought her smile

and her speaker

and sold her cupcakes

to her new friends.

for months, Makena came.

she joined Sally’s knitting group,

went to Alek’s musical,

and won the hearts of every vendor.

one day, she was gone.

her shop was bare,

her stand empty.

the market was quiet.

they didn’t need Makena’s cupcakes,

or her speaker,

or her heart,

until the day she was gone.

the after they never wanted to come.