| Muses Review Mark Stellinga's Poetry |
| Sample 8: The Salesman by Mark Stellinga source: Phonetical Imagery, #62 A couple weeks ago today, while I was sleeping in, And lay so very unprepared to have the day begin, I thought I heard the doorbell ring and slightly twitched my head, I hoped I had imagined it and I could stay in bed. But, no, I heard the chimes again, and then it rang once more, And there was no one home but me to rise and get the door. I donned a pair of sweatpants, then a t-shirt and some socks And hobbled for the foyer where I fumbled for the locks. By now I had been mumbling to myself, "Who could it be?" I feared some unsuspecting fool was just about to see The most perturbed, vindictive dude that they had ever met. I knew that I was on the edge of blowing up, and yet, Somewhere from my inner soul there came a soothing grip. I took a breath to calm myself and, biting on my lip, I slowly turned the deadbolt then stepped back to swing the door. The person standing on my porch, I couldn't have hated more! It was a "traveling salesman", with a suitcase in his hand! I glared at him, but it was clear, he did not under- stand! And then, before I had a chance to say a single word He began the longest pitch I had ever heard! He stood there like a robot, with a grin from ear to ear, Claiming that he needed only one more sale this year And he would be the winner of a really super prize. I stood there stifling curse words thinking, "most of these are lies!" I tried to hide the great contempt I felt as best I could, But knew that what he could not see, before too long, he would! My mind was racing wild with rage, how could I get revenge? I then I thought, "I've got it, I'll just feign a buying binge"! "Well come on in", I chuckled, "real nice day", (the fool agreed), "I'm sure you'll have a lot of things a guy like me will need. Would you care for coffee, or a soft drink, or some wine? I just got my tax return, I'd love to see your line. I'll need gifts for grandchildren, my nieces, nephews, friends. The list of those I need to buy for, it just never ends! This could be the biggest order you have ever had! I think that you are going to need your very biggest pad! Do you have a limit on what just one man can buy?" With these words the look upon his face 'bout made me die! "Not at all", he beamed, then said, "looks like I'll get my prize!" He still had not perceived the vengeance hidden in my eyes. "I hope you'll let me tip you, and I always pay in cash! When can I expect the goods?" [I wanted to say "trash".] "Oh, we don't send away", he said, "we make them in our shop. We work a week or two and then the bunch of us will stop And try to sell them door-to-door, that keeps our prices low. It's all we can afford to do, and you will never know How much we do appreciate your looking at our things And how much joy and happiness the money from them brings. And, I will win the yearly prize, for he who does the best Gets an extra special little hug from all the rest!" He opened up his suitcase and displayed some hand made toys. "Everything I have was made by little girls and boys. Who are not perfect, some are flawed, but like the toys, they're mine! And you will never see a frown on our assembly line." Well I just sat there reeling from the anger I had felt. Warmed by what he'd said I grabbed the chance that I'd been dealt....... "Give 5 of EVERYTHING", I said, " no, make that TEN!" And though I am a bachelor, and I have no younger kin, The salesman never knew this, as on his way he went. And that is still the wisest money I have ever spent! |