A parable of parking. Last stop in the one way zone. Two for the road, one fired of coffee, one of petroleum. Ripping up the roadside. Man and machine. Flesh and tinted glass. Yellow lines, broken and repaired. Bus stops frowned upon. Truckers given the thumbs up. Knowing where you are by the brain of asphalt.
Parking to the stars. Stalls for one and all. Many white lines, many gates to pass thru and levels to choose from. A place to put your movement while you stand still. Concrete of open air rising like a stack of perfect square pancakes.
Shopping and parking. Parking and shopping.
SONG OF THE SHOPPERS
The latest fashions catch our eye
But check the price before you buy;
A bargain makes you feel your best
The search for value is our quest:
Before we'll bring our cash to action
You'll give us customer satisfaction.
MEPHISTO
You shoppers have the hardest part:
The act of buying is an art.
To purchase leisure is your aim
But outlet shopping is no game;
Search high, search low, from spree to spree --
Your spending saves democracy.
FAUSTUS
This shopping mall, I must declare
Is really more than I can bear.
MEPHISTO
The human race has passed you by --
Its pleasures pin you to the sky;
From far away your voice is heard
In language such as of a bird --
Such cynicism has to stop --
What do you mean you hate to shop!
FAUSTUS
I don't enjoy it – I am old,
I don't regret when signs say "sold,"
A purchase doesn't thrill me deep;
A bargain missed? I'll lose no sleep.
I'll go my way – I'll get no rise
If fashion's shirt's my perfect size.
MEPHISTO
Now tell me, where is fancy bred?
It's in the mall, you old shithead --
And if you search for youth and all
You'll find them in your shopping mall.
IN THE MALL OF THE ALL
MEPHISTO
[Leads Faustus by the hand.]
Everything is here – and more:
Your best bet is the Knowledge Store,
And if it's wisdom that you seek
The Hallmark store has the quote of the week!
FAUSTUS
Your shopping talk has sowed the seed --
I see so many things I need.
THE CASH REGISTER
COMPUTES THE SALES TAX
FAUSTUS
[Using both hands to carry his shoppingbags.]
This first sale gives me needed strength;
My shopping hour requires more length.
You witness shopping's new diehard
Empowered by his credit card!
THE SHOPPER'S CHORUS
joined by FAUSTUS
The latest fashions catch our eye
But check the price before you buy;
A bargain makes you feel your best
The search for value is our quest;
Before we'll bring our cash to action
You'll give us customer satisfaction.
MEPHISTO
I'll give you customer satisfaction
So you can put your cash to action.
Bargains great and bargains good,
Helmart gives you heavenly food.
Everything you want and more
Find it at your local store;
And if you do not want it yet
We'll lure you on your TV set --
Such a promise, such an ad --
If you don't get it, you'll go mad!
Contact: E-mail me