The Blackest Black

I have never been out on black Friday to get a "door buster". I decided to go out this year to get James a Leapster 2. Walmart had them for $25.00. I was already up baking cookies so I figured I might as well. From what I understood from the flyer, the sale started at 12:01. I left at 11:30 just in case there was a line. Justin laughed at me. "There is not going to be a line at midnight Mary. Those sales go on all day tomorrow," he said. Oh how wrong he was.

I drove out of the garage wondering how many people would be there. I thought there seemed to be a lot of cars on the road at 11:30 P.M. I was sure it was just people going home after Thanksgiving. But then I got to the traffic light in front of Walmart. I think only a poem can do justice to the horror of my experience.


first frost Thanksgiving
my ears ringing
nostrils flared
beauty and quiet before me
little rabbit darting home to the warmth of family

twisting and turning
the road before me
lights blurring my vision
what lies ahead?

why are there so many policemen on the road tonight?
What's that up yonder around the curve in the road?

procession of metal and rubber
being called to the freak show
that can't stop or slow down
they follow the yearning wild invitation

i too join in the trance
walking, running to the sliding doors
door buster drugs promising to soothe me
mark downs, prices slashed

Why are there so many people wearing sweat pants and cowboy boots?
Why am I the only one with a coat?
Why is someone attempting to operate a wheel chair?

pushing, shoving walking crowds

Oh, here are the Leap Pads. Why are they in the middle of the aisle with plastic wrap all around them?

Angry faces,
growling, nashing teeth,
mothers like orcs waiting for man flesh,
slapping hands,
cuffing hands,
charging bulls
12:01

like a wild stallion I break from the trance
I accomplish my purpose
I run free and happy
I buy reduced sugar frosted flakes,
I never look back.

Good bye Walmart
I will shower now and hope to remember always my glimpse in to the dark side.