Accused

A woman in the store said she
Had falsely been accused.
The situation seemed to be
Not easily defused.

She claimed a sales clerk followed her
And looked inside her bag
To see if possibly there was
An item she did snag.

The argument was getting loud;
I couldn’t help but hear.
The back and forth was jarring
In the store’s chic atmosphere.

I paid and left – I’ll never know
The end of that dispute.
It made me wonder how I’d feel
With sales clerks in pursuit.

For profile victims have to boil
With anger to the hilt,
Just knowing others look at them,
Imagining their guilt.

That woman might be innocent
Or possibly, a thief;
But I’ll admit, not being her,
I walked out with relief.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Jones Avatar
March 29, 2013 at 8:42 PM
I've often wondered if people thought I shop lift...I have food sticking out of every pocket of my purse...granola bars...peanut butter crackers...candy bars..my blood sugar drops so quickly I have to carry food all the time...it would be funny to be asked! Great poem...
Zerbst Avatar
March 28, 2013 at 11:10 AM
Excellent writing. I could feel your relief as you walked out the door! Awesome job of depicting the sights and sounds of this experience!
Johnson Avatar
March 28, 2013 at 10:47 AM
Other people's blues, is why we watch the news. Vicariously living out, but never pay the dues.
Manassian Avatar
March 28, 2013 at 12:26 AM
:) Ilene...glad you got away! Lovely write! Hugs!
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