The Brandon Mall

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.