Somehow, all these shiny vehicles
\nAre destined for people who will magically
\nAppear here, potential in hand.<\/p>\n
The man with hands in pockets approaches the
\nRed,\u00a0 low-slung car,
\nHis wife, arms folded, stands back
\nNear the small, boxy
\nPewter family vehicle.
\nShe clutches her purse
\nAlert for any predators.
\nHe is pumped on the hunt:
\nHis eyes are bigger than his stomach
\nShe is sullen, knowing him;
\nNot knowing him.
\nThey have come here
\nUnder a cloud of disagreement
\nThat is not really yet
\nA major storm.<\/p>\n
The salesperson, a friendly, youngish woman,
\nApproaches the wife
\nAsking if she would like
\nSome help with
\nMaking a sensible choice.
\nThis is exactly what the wife feared most:
\nEmpathy.
\n“We don’t really need a new car,” she says.
\n“We’re just looking. Our current car is fine.”
\nShe gestures towards the shiny oldish car outside.
\n“Ah,” says the youngish woman. “I know what you mean.
\nDon’t worry,” she says; “We won’t sell him anything
\nYou don’t like.” She winks, and the wife relaxes
\nA little.<\/p>\n
“So how’s the mileage on this one?”
\nThe man asks. “Excellent,” the youngish
\nSalesperson smiles at him.
\n“But not much room for groceries.”<\/p>\n
He looks at his wife
\nAnd realizes that the sky has cleared
\nMaybe they should just
\nContinue on home.<\/p>\n
The youngish woman watches them go
\nHand in hand, knowing . . . .<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Somehow, all these shiny vehicles Are destined for people who will magically Appear here, potential in hand. The man with hands in pockets approaches the Red,\u00a0 low-slung car, His wife, arms folded, stands back Near the small, boxy Pewter family … Continue reading