Some observations from the local mall.
The Brandon Mall
What is a kiosk, I ask?
Other than a marvelous name
for a meager space
where young clerks perch
on stools and sell cell phones,
turtles, notions, potions and lotions
to anyone in the aisleways
who always stop
to ask for directions.
Regarding one meager space,
in this open place, where clerks
dump seventy baby turtles
into a small glass pond
warmed by a heat lamp sun.
When the clawing is done
the strongest are on top
with outstretched necks
begging the first kid who bops by
to choose them, take them home,
where they can be the first
to die.
Creams for your face, your neck
and your arms, promising softness,
youth and fresh charm.
Eggs for your heels, socks with 5 toes,
rings for your ears, belly or nose.
Hair pieces, facials, teeth whitening
goo, so when you go home
there’ll be little of you.
Hey! Come on over
and try this new phone.
It takes photos, plays movies,
has a billion ring tones.
Call Windsor or San Juan
and all 50 states, has an alarm
for your meetings
so you’ll never be late.
What does it cost? I know
you will ask. Just a few days
of work, we take credit or cash.
