Notes About The Poem
Robert's Zoltar Speaks Contest ~ 6/7/26
Zoltar Spoke to Me
I was enjoying the drive today...
the way pale blue skies mingled
with the soft amber glow of sunlight,
but needed to fill my car with gas
and stopped at a station far out of town.
I've never been superstitious,
believing in Tarot cards and Ouija Boards.
Those phony things meant to deceive,
but I had a strange feeling because
this place was giving off creepy vibes.
The weird guy I paid didn't look up
when he pushed my change at me...
six quarters and a dime.
I turned to leave but the lights went off.
The door was locked from outside
and darkness stole the light of day
except for those in an arcade machine.
I stood in shadows, trying not to be noticed
but I heard a gruff baritone voice speak,
"Come closer and I will tell your fortune.
I am Zoltar from a magical gypsy realm.
Feed me four quarters and you will know
which way the winds of your destiny blow."
I turned to look at the guy I'd paid
but he was nowhere in sight.
Fright was building inside of me
but I was mesmerized by the stare
of what seemed to be human eyes.
From Zoltar, I could not turn or look away.
The crystal ball turned to ice
and I felt a frigid chill in my bones
I had the ominous sense that I was alone.
My body was numb but not my hand
where the coins were glowing red.
I felt the power of Zoltar in command.
and my fingers gave up control.
I pushed four quarters into the slot
then, on Zoltar's lips was an evil grin
and his head began to slowly spin.
When it stopped, my fortune card dropped
but I dared not read what it said.
He'd feasted on my quarters... four
but Zoltar, the fortune teller wanted more.
His head started spinning again...
and he was repeating the words,
"Take the card. Take the card."
Each time he spoke another card flew out.
By now many were on the floor.
I reached behind the machine
to put an end to the scary charade
but fear tangled me in its web
when I discovered it wasn't plugged in.
I crawled away, trying to catch my breath,
thinking this would be the end of me until
the lights suddenly came back on and
the arcade machine was silent and still.
A family had walked in to pay for gas
and were buying snacks for the road.
I got up from the floor and ran
as fast as my legs would carry me.
But I could still hear that deep voice
taunting me and see that evil grin
as I quickly sped away,
second guessing my doubt in the occult.
On the dashboard in front of me
was something I hadn't seen before...
A fortune teller's card with the name Zoltar!
Lightning flashed and thunder roared
when I threw it out my car window.
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
