Marketplace

In which I write a poem about being used goods.

Many of my old students have stuck around in a writing group I run and I bring a few prompts for each session to help those who are between pieces and want to just noodle for the evening. This poem rose out of one of those prompts and it felt too lightweight to send out, but not bad enough for the drawer, so I’m posting it here for fun.

Marketplace

Great entry-level
opportunity on starter poet.
Pre-owned, floor

model, economy
branded, best before
today. Legacy dead

stock, a handed-down
hand-me-down,
last year’s hottest

release, refurbished,
upcycled. Sold as-is,
shelf-worn, slightly torn

at edges, spine creased,
cowling scarred.
Lady-driven, used

but well-loved.
Clearance pricing, no
reasonable offers refused.