Shorthanded

On my way home today
I passed the greengrocer's wife
And the grandmother
From the fish shop three doors　down.
The old man who runs
The quiet tea shop on the corner,
Then the tofu maker
Adjusting his tie,quickening his　pace.
All dressed in black
They were headed towards the　temple.

I bowed barely
To each one
Wondering who tomorrow
In the neighborhood would be
Shorthanded.