Declined

Declined 


Laughing, only to hide the tears,
now gathering in the corners of my mouth,
drowning me…(I should be so lucky)

staring at a reflection in the protective glass,
not someone I recognize at this convenience store counter,
even if it is me

When facing a fool, as I often do,
I close my eyes as to not see the sorrowed face,
yet I know…I have been warned

“Don’t reach for what you cannot have…
No hands in the cookie jar,
it’ll spoil your appetite”

But I don’t listen, I hear, but…I am hungry,
she can’t mean me? Not me,
not the dancing clown that brings smiles

Watch me juggle, my heart, my love, my soul, 
spotlights transition my lenses
and the stage goes dark 

The minimum wage clerk is not amused,
wiping his nose with his hand,
then extending it as if requesting payment

But I have not purchased, I have only looked,
watched her walk to another, thumbing her nose in my direction 
as if hitch hiking on her face

Still I reach for an empty wallet
filled with past due receipts and plastic poison,
fattening the faux leather Fossil with I.D. holder

Another swipe of the card, slowly as directed,
magnetic strip inward…

declined…what else is new
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Thompson Avatar
November 5, 2018 at 6:32 PM
How life has declined us all in one way or another. Another great write, which I enjoyed immensely . Keep writing and I will keep reading. Best Wishes, Jess
Green Avatar
November 6, 2018 at 7:36 AM
Thank you again Jess. You are right, I believe most of us have experienced something like this in our lives. Though, some more than others. :) I am happy you liked this one.
Tapestry Avatar
November 3, 2018 at 6:18 AM
Hahaha. Such is life. Seen this many times.
Green Avatar
November 5, 2018 at 10:43 AM
That makes two of us. :)
Hamilton Avatar
November 1, 2018 at 5:42 PM
Your storyteller is showing Chris...and I like it!
Green Avatar
November 2, 2018 at 9:44 AM
Oh, let me fix that right away. :) Thanks so much my friend.
Bauer Avatar
November 1, 2018 at 4:43 PM
very sad but, as i've come to expect from you, chris, wonderfully written. i love the title and the whole idea of something being declined (which can be much more than a credit card...)
Green Avatar
November 1, 2018 at 5:04 PM
Thank you so very much Ilene for your nice comment
Devonshire Avatar
November 1, 2018 at 3:44 PM
Excellent, Chris! Your poem brings to mind a verse from Macbeth: "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more." Your "dancing clown" seeks to amuse and, like his credit card, he is declined. His "transaction" ends in failure. I think this is one of your very best, Chris. Hugs, Carolyn
Green Avatar
November 1, 2018 at 3:48 PM
Thank you so very much Carolyn. I wasn't sure how this would be taken here, as it is not my usual flowery love poetry. I am thrilled to find that you liked it that much. Thank you again my friend.
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