Her plight catches my eye; burdened
with bags; still more stuff to bolster
already chokka closets; bulging
with blouses by Bulgari, sandals
by Steiger, and frocks from France.
Drawers spilling over; watches
by Cartier, and Oyster Rolexes –
diamond necklaces – string upon
string of finest uncultured pearls
and shot-silk chiffon scarves to die for.
ooo000ooo
Odd then she should make a bee-line
for my shop, called simply ‘Soul Scrolls’,
as I watch her cross the street. Her head
aches, and she can’t recall, for love
nor money, where the hell she’d parked...
and even so, where were her keys?
Blinded by the glare of speeding metal –
makes it to the other side. How fast
cars go these days! No regard for folk,
unsteady on their feet or a touch
confused...such as she.
ooo000ooo
My door, wide open, as it usually is –
gingerly treads the ‘welcome’ mat.
“You do sell prayers here, don’t you?
Recommended by a friend, do you see?”
What quantity was required, I ask, and,
“How much would madam like to pay?”
I could do her a deal on a dozen; for her
a ‘special price’. And the length; would
that be long, short, or in-between?
ooo000oo
This was an ice-cream parlour, she tells me –
way before my time, she adds. Does He
like ice-cream, she wonders...and a thought,
in passing, could my prayer machine,
computerised, as it may be, really
fast-track to God?
I decline to answer; merely say,
she’d been parked two blocks down,
outside Macy’s; the meter, just
this minute, expired. And, academic
as it was, the car-keys – in her raincoat
inside pocket... with the pills
she forgot to take.
Comments
skinner_jennifer | January 25, 2012 - 18:08
I like your different style in this piece Tina.
A real life situation, that could happen in any
town, any city.
With all the rush...rush...rush! you write as an
observer, very clever and interesting piece.
Jenny.
Silver Spun Sand | January 25, 2012 - 18:12
Thanks, Jenny. This one took quite some thinking about. I bought the book by Margaret Atwood for my daughter a couple of years ago, and the idea of a 'prayer machine' always intrigued me. Sometimes though, our prayers are too late, as in this case.
Tina
Indrani Ananda | January 25, 2012 - 21:53
Indrani Ananda
That first verse, Tina, sounds and looks like me on my hectic rounds of the charity shops! Very nicely written, as always. I've just thought what a good name for an Antiquarian bookshop Soul Scrolls would be!
Indrani.
Silver Spun Sand | January 25, 2012 - 22:01
Thanks, Indrani...and yes, it would be the ideal name;-)
Tina
Cavalcaderl | January 26, 2012 - 22:25
New Silver-Spun-Sand
Tina,What a very good poem
for the (IP) Thought I'd done comment
not there! computer
Love the stanza third one. All are gem!
Odd then she should make a bee-line
for my shop,called simply 'Soul Scrolls'
as I watch her cross the street. Her head
aches,and she can't recall for love
nor money,where the hell she'd parked...
and even so,where were her keys.
Soory! prayer's not answered.
I fancy a prayer machine.
Once was a prayer home partener,at
healing centre. Like bingo! certaim all pray
for names and things! That was something!
Hope you get (IP) bless you too.
julie x
Silver Spun Sand | January 26, 2012 - 23:33
Julie - couldn't we all do with a prayer machine;)
Many, many thanks for reading, and getting right through to the heart of the matter.
Have a good Friday;-)
Tina x
Highhat | January 27, 2012 - 18:51
Magical Tina- simply magical
Silver Spun Sand | January 27, 2012 - 19:33
You're a bit magical too, Pia;-)
Tina
Prettyrose | January 28, 2012 - 18:57
Hi Tina :) well done on the 'writers Oscar' :) you deserve them as always. I agree with all but especially Jenny well done brilliant.
Keep Smiling
Keep Writing :)
Silver Spun Sand | January 28, 2012 - 19:18
Many thanks, Prettyrose. Would that they were 'Oscars'. Might be rich then;-)
Tina