The Mall

Descriptive words of a scene...with a twist

I’m standing in the food court on the second floor at the local mall looking over the railing. It’s the beginning of December and the mall is busy.
Signs everywhere showing sales and discounts offered to attract shoppers.
Christmas music is playing the overhead sound system.
Every business inside the mall as well as the corridors, escalators, bathrooms, seating areas, and the parking lot are beautifully decorated.
Santa Claus and his elves have a photography booth in the main corridor. Anyone who wishes can have their picture taken Ole Saint Nick.
So many people here.. young and old; parents and children; family and friends; married and single; some are rushing and some are casually strolling; some know exactly what they want to purchase and some are browsing, hoping to find the “perfect gift”.
Sounds of laughter and murmured voices fill the huge building .
Some adults are pushing strollers and some are carrying children. Some people are holding hands and some have their arm around someone.
Most everyone are smiling and one can see their excitement and happiness.
All of these aspects give the atmosphere an electrifying energy.
I stand motionless as I observe and absorb my surroundings. In my mind I repeatedly ask myself one question: “why do I feel alone and empty?”.

Reviews

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

as i was reading, and seeing this incredible picture of christmas cheer, i was thinking to myself 'when is the turn coming up?' right at the end, it was a much darker twist than i had anticipated.
it's not just during the holidays, i often experienced this... being detatched, adrift, lonely in a crowded place. i wish here was a word for it. there's a word 'sonder' meaning: n. the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. im not sure that fits in this context though.
this scene was played out in a stunning way. the mall with its shoppers and jingles really came to life. and the final blow to the head was made all the more tragic for it. powerful writing; a glimpse into an oft overlooked aspect of depression.

[FlaLover]

Thank you. I thought I would try a different style with this. I usually have the "dark" theme throughout my writings. I kinda like building the crescendo of anticipation...then have an unexpected ending.
I truly appreciate your opinions!

[Betty Hermelee]

a lovely poem with a twist, as you say...It is not uncommon to feel alone in a crowd...loneliness perhaps cannot distinguish between flickering lights and a barren forest....it is a mood all by itself and it is very disheartening....i believe it requires some therapy to be able to escape that awful feeling.Sometimes too much stimulation can bring on that mood....your words describe the scene perfectly and the ending really shows us what it is all about.... nice write
Warmly, B

[FlaLover]

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
I'm sure many people feel like this and bravely Don a happy face.

[Betty Hermelee]

you are very welcome!
Warmly, B😊