Night Vend
2 a.m. at a deserted rural airportin the middle of nowhere
with no choice but
to wait 'til daylight.
An exploratory stroll leads to
a row of radiant vending machines
erect as Mormons
forming a substantial choir of monotonal
electric humming
casting light as comforting beacons,
blameless in dim light
offering choices of sustenance
in the middle of nowhere.
These are new machines
which make change
accepting all denominations
of currency except
pennies and bills over $20
as they hum an endless tune and wait
patiently
for a selection to be made
from the many choices
offered of flavored espressos,
candy, bulky sandwiches
stuffed with cold cuts,
with limp lettuce,
pale tomatoes and
stiff cheese or
choices of
mummified pasta dishes
in wild cold packages or
the crazy chips
waiting in illuminated catacombs
to be selected
then expectorated with Rube Goldberg
infallibility into the
cavernous mouths of the
receiving trays.
Sustenance.
Choices.
It's possible a choice
could be on the house
because some machines
play a game
like in Las Vegas.
Get lucky and your choice
is free !
and
coffee cups are printed
with playing cards with
a hole card on the bottom.
Finish your drink
and bottom's up!
One might have
three of a kind
in the middle of nowhere!
One could win with
a selection made
in the middle of nowhere
after hours or if
many selections were made to create
a solitary adventurous picnic,
an expectorated symphony of flavors
served with plastic silverware.
There is choice
where otherwise there is
no choice in the long night.
A microwave is available
along with condiments.
A hot dog perspires grease
add mayonaise, yellow mustard, sweet relish.
A pair of White Castle "sliders" steaming
with cheese and yellow mustard.
Flamin' hot cheetos,
Cold Mountain Dew in a bottle.
Grandma's soft 'n chewey cookies.
Top off with coffee
fresh ground with every cup
with whitener, medium sugar,
the beverage is served,
check the hole card,
bottoms up!
Ace of spades.
Is it possible?
Is it?
It is! A royal flush!
Oh finally, A royal flush!
Oh, happy night!
In the middle of nowhere.
Poetry by Peter J. Kautsky
Read 642 times
Written on 2007-02-20 at 22:15
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