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

[Diana]

I'm assuming the last line refers back to the "I'm with stupid T-shirt." If not, I just laughed for nothing, which is fine too.

"Don't want what you cannot have." Isn't that the truth? But who knows what they can have?

A beautiful rendition of taking the every-day check-out line and transcending it, making it poetic.

[Jack...]

Yes, it did mean that t-shirt Diana, so your chuckle had a purpose. :) Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I truly mean that. Your kindness and your friendship always thrills me.

[OTownPete]

I can wrap your words around me like shawl

[Jack...]

I think the shawls are on sale Pete. Thanks so much.

[Angel]

Hope continues to well up from a tiny spring, deep inside...
Such wonderful imagery in this...the t shirts are priceless!! And the mannequin...pure genius.
Once again, you have amazed me with your talent, my friend!!

[Jack...]

So very much I thank you sweet Angel. Your visits to me are priceless.

[Angel]

Your friendship to me is priceless, Jack.

[icelandicblue]

Hope is a mighty motivator. What an interesting and unique format for your poem.

[Jack...]

Anne, I appreciate your kind words this day my friend.

[Dr. Wood ?]

fantastic description of the horrors of shopping Jack...This is a UNIVERSAL feeling....

[Jack...]

Thanks so much my friend.

[SyberRose]

This is why I only shop online ha...I can't tell you the last time I was in a store...i'm happy my husband does the food shopping while I write poetry ha...I can see why he always comes home in a bad mood ha.

[Jack...]

Indeed it is frustrating at times, but I rather enjoy the experience, especially if the girl behind the register is good looking. Thanks so much Rose.

[Sami Khalil]

Always the creative one at one of his best creations of fine work...Bravo...:>)...........

[Jack...]

Thanks so very much Sami. I appreciate you.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:>)...............

[Rita L. Sev]

There's wit mingled with quiet frustration here, Jack. Outstanding metaphor, and hope enough to keep one heading for the up escalator...

[Jack...]

Thanks Rita. I guess we all have decisions to make as we stare at those moving staircases.

[Emerald Seas]

This is not at all what I was expecting. Very profound, my friend. That second to last stanza feels a bit like falling from a cliff and dangling from the one branch that you can cling to... until you manage to drag yourself up and stand again. I like the hope and determination in the last. Well done!

[Jack...]

And what were you expecting???? Thanks so much my friend. Happy you enjoyed this one.

[Emerald Seas]

I thought it was going to be some goof on Walmart People with that title and picture :)

[Jack...]

Ah, that makes sense except I really can not bring myself to go into Walmart. I am not a snob, I just feel icky in those stores.

[Emerald Seas]

haha - I don't go to Walmart either. I have one around the corner from me, but I refuse to go there. I just can't do it!!

[Frieda P]

Wow Jack, this is amazeballs, for lack of a better word! Holy cats and all that jazz, I could take this one and fly with it, the metaphors in this one are off the charts, love the mannequin, I have bumped into one or two in my day....armless, heartless, yadayadayada, and the t-shirt is priceless, you've outdone yourself with this one my friend, where to next, I can't wait!

[Jack...]

Frieda, I always look forward to you stopping by my world. Your bring such joy to me with your words. Thank you so very much.