The Shopper

Once upon sales floor dreary, scanning products ‘til eyes were bleary,
Over many a sales tag proclaiming, “lowest price galore” -
while I walked on not yet buying, there came a sudden crying,
A moan of some one gently trying, trying hard to sell me more.
“T’is only our best for you I offer. Only that and nothing more.”

Ah, distinctly I reply, on that hot July, “I am not ready yet,to buy."
"No matter how hard you try, until I see what’s on the floor.”
Eagerly I wished for space – without a salesperson in my face,
unless he could build a compelling case – on why I should buy,
because my cart contains what I came here for.

With a silken, sad, uncertain telling, while offering one small package
that thrilled me – filled me with fantastic chills never felt before.
So that now, to calm my anxious mind, I take the offering so sublime,
my hands on this are shaking, deep inside something’s waking. I cry
“Tis the last I’ll buy. Only this and nothing more.”

Wandering my needs grow stronger, hesitating no longer,
I call salesperson I had before; “you are good so show me more.”
I thought my needs were met, my cravings satisfied.
Little did I know as I was starting the ride,
by the time it's finished, I’d be happier - though poor.

Box after box I did carry, ‘til my arms grew tired and back grew sore,
my salesperson kept talking until my cart had room no more.
Needs he found I have are crying. And credit cards I have kept flying -
signs my salesperson’s trying, to empty out his pricey store.
“Mercy for my wallet, kind sir.” I implore. “I want it all,” He replied.
“Only that and nothing more.”

Alone at home still reeling, from having experienced the feeling, of
him listening so clearly, serving me so dearly; I trusted him and more.
Having my needs met, I nearly wept, as the products all I kept.
I looked at boxes with no regrets for the money that I spent.
In fact, more than happy I went shopping at my local store.

Once in a great while I meet someone that makes buying a pleasure.
I had fun that long I’ll treasure, and against him, others I’ll measure,
as I go from store to store.
If only more were like him, there’d be more local buying.
And the Internet would lose its place as a growing retail space,
returning shopping to local stores, who satisfy customers evermore.