Consumer
the store always has
temperature controlled air
by rusting window units
with decade old music stale
aisles of neatly placed packaged items
in a low ceiling with dull fluorescents
noon sun pouring through tall windows
glaring off the warped flooring
that’s when I forget the year
and start to believe that if I could
just stay
standing at the deli counter
comparing cellophane wrapped foods
made by the frowning woman
in a white apron
that time will cease
beyond those glass doors
powered by tired whining auto motors
that it is all just an empty parking lot
stretching infinitely
disappearing in the wavering heat
6 thoughts on "Consumer"
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This transported me to that store. I have always felt like being inside a grocery or retail store can feel like being in a place outside of the normal rules of time. I can convince myself I’m in a different place altogether. You described that feeling eloquently.
Thank you!
I really enjoyed reading this. You set the scene incredibly well here.
Thank you. It feels like one we all feel.
both, day 1 and day 2, poems feel very atmospheric to me. you do a very good job of placing your reader right where you want them.
Sometimes it works out. And I’m glad you think so!