sound image

“Concession Stand”

The attendants admitted each individual into
the machine, shaking the box to extricate the last
seed stuck in the corner crease,
check the box for last minute warnings,
and press play.
Heated together in the metal pan,
the popcorn explodes out of bounds
like gunfire in a robot war, shells rebounding off of sides.

Later, the people poured into the theater,
Echoing round kernels confined in copper sheen skin
Smile and chatter as they clatter together, each pushing into position.
As the play unfolded in front of them, a hundred ears pricked to hear
The expressions on the actors’ faces and thoughts begin
To rustle and jump, agitated into movement.
The climactic scene ends
In a rush of heat; the audience stands
Applause exploding out of clapping hands.
Like the corn in its copper kettle
Compliments land in satisfied stomachs.
01.29.09