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.

Poems In April ~ Whozits and Whatzits Galore

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!!!
April 22, 2014 at 1:07 AM
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!
April 22, 2014 at 4:13 AM
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!
April 22, 2014 at 5:26 AM
Grandmother Mary said…
These fascinating photos are slightly disturbing. You captured that well.
April 22, 2014 at 8:30 AM
Kerry O'Connor said…
Night mare Emporium! That is just excellent, Susie.
April 22, 2014 at 9:34 AM
Sherry Blue Sky said…
WOW! That closing stanza knocks this one out of the park! Fantastic message in this poem, Susie.....I love it.
April 22, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Maude Lynn said…
Hello, Stephen King! This is really cool!
April 22, 2014 at 11:59 AM
21 Wits said…
Your words are inspiring and very inviting, as I would visit this place in an instant!
April 22, 2014 at 12:14 PM
21 Wits said…
My kind of place! Great poem to attach for it!
April 22, 2014 at 12:22 PM
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!
April 22, 2014 at 12:59 PM
Heidi said…
What a scary trip. (and even scarier metaphor!)
April 22, 2014 at 1:22 PM
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
April 22, 2014 at 3:02 PM
Kerridwen said…
Nice little creepiness seeping in to this post. :D
April 22, 2014 at 4:42 PM
Hannah said…
Awesome angle for this, Susie!! I love the bit about the doors. :)
April 22, 2014 at 7:42 PM
humbird said…
It's scary about doors...~ Nightmare!
April 22, 2014 at 9:45 PM
Sumana Roy said…
Nightmare Emporium...WOW!!!
April 22, 2014 at 11:25 PM
Anonymous said…
nailed it ~
April 23, 2014 at 1:51 AM
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.
April 23, 2014 at 4:45 AM
Other Mary said…
Ah, you have the nightmarish quality here Susie. Well done.
April 23, 2014 at 6:18 AM
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.
April 24, 2014 at 7:02 AM
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