A Great Soul Poem by Clyde King

As I was meandering along Walmart's
Scientifically arranged aisles
To suck more money
Out of suckers like me,
A young salesman trying to sell
Cell phone, WiFi, and internet
Service, approached me courteously
Asking if I had a current cell phone,
WiFi and internet service.

I replied, 'yes, and it's with
The company you're working for.'
Nonplussed, he continued talking
Non-stop until I
Stopped him, but politely.
And reminded him that
I was already a loyal customer.
He stopped talking, noticing
For the first time that
I was a real person too.
And that I was now talking
To him in mild, measured words.

He paused, looked at my
Black tee shirt that said in bold, white lettering
'Gin & Juice.' Tanqueray was printed on the sleeve.
He and his cohort nodded approvingly
At this cool reference to a rap song
By rapper Snoop Dog
And said approvingly
'You're cool brother, you've got soul.'

To which I replied.
'Yes, and a great one, too, '

October2020