Originally published 7th September 2022
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
This poem was placed 1st in the "Any Poem" contest sponsored by Silent One (Judged 3rd February 2024)
This Time Last Month A customer Opens door Bell lets out two rings That smell of books Telescopes Globes and other things. Travel guides Atlases Maps strewn everywhere Customer Breaks fourth wall Speaks as if you're there: "I got upset when I first heard this shop was closing down. I don't have any reason now to pass this way to town. I mean - Just look! It's beautiful! I don't know where to start The architecture oozes charm ..It's retro future art!" Whispers "While the owner's in the back I think it's fair to say Age and life have not been kind He struggles every day. His shop's been here for many years He's run it all alone I've heard he's had to sell it though and this has been his home. He never talks about his wife who left and took their son. Rumours are he liked his drink but somehow battled on. His wife then died just after that - An accident somewhere. His son was only very young and spent some time in care. Son went to jail but studied too and now might live quite near - With a suit and tie and new cell phone he's been seen not far from here. The owner spied his son first time in years just days ago in a plush, expensive company car but that is all I know." Owner appears Front of shop As the wall clock chimes Customer Pays for book: 'Prey To Opus' Rhymes * Both smile at title Shake of hands A joke and last goodbye Shop now closed Owner stares Tear appears in eye. One Hour Later Lots of cash Photos. Bible In a secret drawer up top Behind some boxes Piled up high Hidden back of shop. Old shop owner Takes out photos Days of love and fun. Sad but smiles Happy times. His wife himself and son. Puts photos back Locks secret drawer Writes note and signs himself Front of shop Both key and note Placed upon a shelf. Today Shutters down 'Shop For Sale' Working all alone Man in suit Job to do Talks on new cell phone: "This shop would not be out of place in a home like Charing Cross He ran it like a hobby though and ignored its mounting loss. There's lots of boxes piled up high on the floor of the back room but nothing else - Report is done. I'll get it typed up soon. Oh and.. I've found a signed note and a key left lying on a shelf I think the scribbled writing says: 'It's time to find yourself'. I'll have a think when I get back Right now I've had enough I'll file these under 'Now Deceased' with all his other stuff. Some cases that we have are sad but moreso this because it hurts to think he died alone whoever this guy was." Job now done Sets alarm Taps in digit code Suit tie and phone Plush company car Drives off down the road. ~ ~ ~ * 'Prey To Opus' Rhymes - A book that contains a secret inside..
Copyright © Gary Radice | Year Posted 2022
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