Alone in Costco

No sample of frozen meatballs, spinach dip, or garlic rolls -

For me, please. Thank you, though.

I’m here for pepper, spices, cheese, and large screen TV.

I want to go home, not play bumper shopping carts today.

I dream of the people who will sit in the lounge chair by the electric
fireplace and eat cheese from bright blue dishes I should buy.

All the items are in my cart.

Then I remember – no one is coming.

I return these items to the aisles where they don’t belong.

Putting a dish set next to the 2 gallons of milk

I will sit in the food court,

Eat a greasy, cheap hot dog and sip my giant flat Pepsi.

Guessing the life stories of shoppers that pass.

“What is he doing with that box of tomatoes and electric blanket?

Who needs six gallons of Johnny Walker?

That’s gotta be a party. I wonder if I can go?’

“Excuse me, Mam – Isn’t anyone sitting here?” a father of 2 asks.

“No. I’m just leaving.” I throw the last of the hot dog in the trash.

Alone in Costco with no reason to consume,

Just fading memories of people I knew.