At the Self Checkout
Poetry
Beep. Put the item in the bagging area
The voice, the voice is calm, bright
Voice of an angel maybe, your mother maybe
You can't unhear it, unmistakable,
Indelible as the ink on your receipt.
Beep. Scan the next item
That voice, encouraging,
Guiding, instructing, cajoling
Pitched yet, with an urgent tone
Faint, then rising with each beep
Beep. Put the item in the bagging area
Do you know what you're doing?
You want me to do it for you?
It's simple, see?
Just point it at the red light!
Beep. Put the item in the bagging area
Beep. Remove the item from the bagging area
Oh, for God's sake!
Scan the broccoli!
You have to weigh it!
What's the matter with you?
Are you stupid?
Beep. Remove the item from the bagging area
Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Hush! Don't cry!
I didn't hit you that hard!
Get off the floor!
You are my misery!
Beep. Help is on the way