Mall-Fever
by Mary Soon Lee
(inspired by John Masefield's "Sea-Fever")
 
 
I must go down to the mall again,
to the glass walls and the shops,
and all I ask is a fat purse
and a bright array of tops,
and three pretzels and two coffees
and my fingers shaking,
and a discount on spring fashions
and musak awaking.
     
I must go down to the mall again,
for the call of the latest ad
is a loud call and a sure call
that won't be just a fad;
and all I ask is a happy day
of glorious buying,
with credit cards and plastic bags,
and no children crying.
     
I must go down to the mall again,
to the perfect way of life,
to the lipstick and nail varnish
that will make me a better wife;
and all I ask is a kindly smile
from the woman selling makeup,
and mercy and forgiveness
when the bank phones up.

(First published in the Atlanta Review)

 

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