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Not All Stops are Called

 Sharing with The Sunday Muse #188.


It's always dark in the mall that died; the seats feel gritty,
the windows are blank and all the stores empty.
There's one door open back behind the large department store
I slip in and walk over the torn, glassy floor.

Someone has filmed the life as it left, most people prefer it gone;
consumption is always deadly, some moan.
But I continue to walk through these laminate halls to remember
the books, my friends, the lit windows...

It's always dark in the last hallways; the hard seats left empty;
I'll rest between starvation and plenty.
The benches remain, the walls rot, and ceilings spread stains
I close my eyes and wait.

This is the first last stop at this station, open since devastation.

Theoretically, with Thanksgiving past and a chill weekend to remind us it's no longer a lingering summer/fall combo, we're supposed to have moved on to decorating for Christmas. In the spirit of fiction, let's say that happened. Let's say the last few days of November consisted of putting the finishing touches on a few zines (including one about a fantastic convenience store...cover below...and a rat who desperately needs a snack). 


Let's say we're about to heat up the hot chocolate, pour it in a driving mug, and head out to look at the first Christmas lights of the season in a car full of carols. Let's say the holidays have returned with a cheery vengeance. Merry, merry. Hope your cocoa is warm and your bells clear in the night! (and that your entire family doesn't come down with we-haven't-been-out-in-public-in-months colds)

-- Chrissa

Comments

  1. Carrie Van HornNovember 27, 2021 at 1:56 PM

    This is a new favorite for me Chrissa! There is a lost and grieving feeling but also hope. I absolutely love the line, "resting between starvation and plenty" You have such a gorgeous talent to dig deep and pull us to the heart of things. Christmas time has been a bittersweet time for me for so many years. My brother passed away of a massive heart attack on Christmas day in 2002. Next year will mark 20 years. 💙🕊️ Sorry I went in such a sad rant. I just know I can relate to the sentiments you have shared. I do hope your Thanksgiving was filled with good food and happiness with some sweet dogs close to your side. 💖

    ReplyDelete
  2. FireblossomNovember 27, 2021 at 5:48 PM

    I like watching urbex vids on Youtube, and I've seen several about dead malls. It's an eerie vibe and you've captured it here, especially in the little details

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gillena CoxNovember 28, 2021 at 5:55 AM

    "open since devastation"
    A thought provoking phrase.
    What will the near future bring

    Happy Sunday. Thanks for dropping by my blog

    Much💜love

    ReplyDelete
  4. ✿November 28, 2021 at 7:22 AM

    This is phenomenal.

    ReplyDelete
  5. qbitNovember 28, 2021 at 6:32 PM

    "It's always dark in the mall that died" -- that is so great and ominous and true.

    ReplyDelete
  6. JimDecember 2, 2021 at 9:31 AM

    Wow!!! I love these "abandoned places" writes, yours is sooo good.
    We shop Walmart for the large box of 30 Swiss Miss packets of
    Hot Chocolate. I'll have a cup this evening, hoping you do also.
    ..

    ReplyDelete

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