All About The Sell

I have plenty of everything
that doesn’t amount to anything.

My skill is getting you
to think all my nothing
is something you must possess.


I have arms that are out of touch,


identical faces without identity,


and sacred that glitters, but isn’t gold.

Please take your time…
There isn’t any hurry..
Our doors open in,
but seldom open out.

Welcome to the Nightmare Emporium
where the contents of your wallet determine
how far you can stretch your dime.

©Susie Clevenger 2014

At Real Toads Lolamouse offered photographs that she and her daughter took on a trip to Portland as inspiration for our writings.

Comments

Vandana Sharma said…
A very nice take and this very poem is enough to attract visitors to this shop and be in for a surprise!!!
Anonymous said…
There's a Stephen King novel called Needless Things (or perhaps Needful Things) that this poem remind me of. Also see what you meant by the Hotel California reference. A very nice and scary read!
Lolamouse said…
The ending definitely reminds me of "Hotel California!" You captured the ambiance of the store perfectly! Some if it was like being in a weird nightmare, especially the random limbs and heads! Thanks for playing!
These fascinating photos are slightly disturbing. You captured that well.
Kerry O'Connor said…
Night mare Emporium! That is just excellent, Susie.
Sherry Blue Sky said…
WOW! That closing stanza knocks this one out of the park! Fantastic message in this poem, Susie.....I love it.
Maude Lynn said…
Hello, Stephen King! This is really cool!
21 Wits said…
Your words are inspiring and very inviting, as I would visit this place in an instant!
21 Wits said…
My kind of place! Great poem to attach for it!
21 Wits said…
I do enjoy a place like this, and just as you've written I'm giving much thought to putting my own stuff to the test and see what I can get out as well! Perfect plan!
Heidi said…
What a scary trip. (and even scarier metaphor!)
Kay L. Davies said…
Oh yes, living it up at the Hotel California...you aced this prompt, Susie. What a bizarre collection of items.
Luv, K
Kerridwen said…
Nice little creepiness seeping in to this post. :D
Hannah said…
Awesome angle for this, Susie!! I love the bit about the doors. :)
humbird said…
It's scary about doors...~ Nightmare!
Sumana Roy said…
Nightmare Emporium...WOW!!!
Anonymous said…
nailed it ~
avalon said…
This is so good.From the very first line to the last.
In contrast with the famous "I've got plenty of nothing...", which it so vividly recalls, it becomes even more powerful.
Other Mary said…
Ah, you have the nightmarish quality here Susie. Well done.
hedgewitch said…
That first stanza is a poem in its own right--and every additional line adds a layer--and each one really builds off the photos miraculously well, Susie--you've striopped thnigs down and used a very clean and cutting blade of perspective to do it.