“Quest”
by Bill Ward
2000
A vast fortress looms before me
Windowless ramparts tower above
Guarded from reality by a moat of parked cars
Teeming with peril
I brave the frantic drivers trying to park
Their monstrous machines,
And pass through the portcullis.
I brave the teeming mass of
Men, women, and screaming babies.
Turning sideways, I navigate around Santa’s Elfland.
Nothing can stop me now,
I am on a crusade.
Visa held high like a banner into battle,
I charge my way into the store.
Rooting through mud, my nose smells a truffle.
I pick up the glorious gift –
Just the perfect thing.
Fanfares play, my heart swells with triumph.
I turn to buy it –
I see I am not the first one here.
A trial of patience, I see.
Enduring, I stand in line.
At last my moment of glory arrives.
I hold forth my grail and my Visa card.
Smugly I watch the clerk:
tap tap tap
beep
chugga chugga chugga
bzzzz
The dragon has caught me in its lair.
I am defeated with one word –
DECLINED.
© 2000 William R. Ward
All Rights Reserved
January 3, 2000
Migrated from bill.wards.net/blosxom on 2026-04-12