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

[Lydia Shutter]

This one gets a standing ovation from me! Everything about it is so real....so everyman! Walking through a large department store...hearing the blaring announcements....obverving the less than well dressed crowds....and then staring at a mannequin with one arm. Is she indicative of our broken society? Well, she COULD be....but I don't think you meant her to be. I feel sorry for the plastic person and for the ever missing retail sales help....but I don't feel sorry for the main character. He has the chutzpah to ask the questions and stand tall at the register no matter what! Again, Jack, this one is really right up my alley and I loved it. Lydi**

[Jack...]

What a fantastic review. You humble me with your words this day my friend. The one armed mannequin was more about how I was feeling preparing to ask the question...not really sure that I was all there, but I had to be. Thanks again Lydi.

[Chris]

If you don't reach you can never get...

[Jack...]

That's the truth my friend. Thanks for visiting.

[SHEEMA HUQ]

"Still I don’t heed the warnings…

I can’t, for dreams require reaching,

top shelf visions waving with

hope filled coupons"

This is so amusing and intelligent, I thoroughly enjoyed, well done!

offering no discount for the heart

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much.

[DIVYA]

I felt a satire, a wry humor and a pinch of sarcasm. Excellent notings of the varied multi-hued elements that make up the typical milleu of a supermarket. I appreciate a lot the way you thought so deep about life, your situation and drew the parallels. A delightful creation, dear friend.

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much sweet Divya. I always appreciate you stopping by.

[Pryde Foltz]

Oh Jack. Laughed and ahh'ed my way through. I guess in my dream they would be wearing a shirt that said...quick, get her a coffee. Loved this one.

[Jack...]

Thanks so very much my friend. What color t-shirt would you like?

[Pryde Foltz]

Red, of course.