Checking out

You just never know

 

 

 

Checking out

 

 

Words from perforated ceiling tiles squawk

as megaphone filters blare

in crackled sequence

around missing stations

and call letters that aren’t acronyms

 

I hear these words, but shake my head

I know they are for me,

sent by well wishing advisors

wearing t-shirts imprinted

“I’m with stupid”

 

(and the arrows point at me)

 

Still I don’t heed the warnings…

I can’t, for dreams require reaching,

top shelf visions waving with

hope filled coupons

offering no discount for the heart

 

 “Don’t want what you can not have,” they shout

As I continue to climb the frozen escalator,

cleaning my shoes on the bristles,

then checking my appearance in the sunglass

refection of a mannequin missing one arm

 

(and I feel sorry for this plastic person)

 

For they have no idea how it feels

To be out of style, yesterday’s sleeves

worn of worried first impressions,

heart beat delusions and needs

at the end of the line…to check out

 

and yet, until the times come for me to “check out”

I will reach for that dream, regardless of

invisible sales clerks on their eternal break,

because I will reach that register and I will ask that question

to which she just might say yes

 

(and then who will be wearing the t-shirt)

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thanks for reading

Reviews

[Lyn Anderson]

A really neat write. You paint a very clear picture with your words. Lovely.

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much. I appreciate you stopping by my work.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

You made such a mundane scenario interesting, hilarious, and philosophical, Jack. :)

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much Blue. This was fun to write and picture in my mind as I went.

[s y e]

Oh I want a lot of things but I can't get it, aha... I need to grow up, get a job, earn money and by that time the price will be too expensive for me, ahaaha. I loved this one Jack - it is so relatable.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much my wonderful friend.

[redflutterby]

Wanting what we can't have is human nature I guess...as is hope and faith. As long as you have those things who knows what you'll get in life. As for the T-shirt...I've always been a casual wear kind of girl. Mine would probably say something like Beware of B***h! Excellent metaphor in this Jack.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much my friend, but I think your tshirt would read something like...Friend Forever.

[Neon]

A great description's expressed. I liked the topic. Flow's very cool, it's a great way to express the moments of time into the words through poetry. Good work, Jack.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much my friend.

[TL Boehm]

feeling sorry for the mannequin. what an interesting line that is. Also like "cleaning my shoes on the bristles. Your poems have that "reality" to them sometimes that I savor

[Jack...]

Thanks so much Tammy. I never need to go shopping for friends though, I have so many wonderful people here that I call friend and you Tammy are at the top of that list.

[annie lee]

What a great description of the madness we participate in during the final three months of the year! I am a former participant; lack of disposable income relegates me to the sidelines. But I am rather relieved to be on the bench. I used to buy lots of things, things, things -- things I find that now I really do not need. Funny how things turn out.

[Jack...]

yes it is...thanks so much Annie

[Ruth]

You face life head on Jack, I applaud you for that love...always educational and direct energy in your writing, wonderfully relayed x

[Jack...]

Thanks so much my friend. This is the second review saying something about education in reference to my poetry. Now if I could only get the summer off. :) I appreciate you Poppy.

[Ruth]

lol So welcome love, my pleasure x

[Cassie]

Your poems are full of realism. I always love your work Jack and you always teach me a lot, apart from being a poet, you are also my teacher indirectly. Thank you teacher

[Jack...]

That is one of the best compliments I have ever received Cassie. Thank you so very much.

[Cassie]

You are welcome my dearest teacher....

[Baby Ricochet]

Loved it! Outstanding work sir.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much my friend.