FREE SAMPLES

The truck was parked illegally
at a busy curb in midtown
and two hired hands
in the back of the truck
were handing down cartons of
brightly colored small boxes
into the hands
of three more hired hands
who were handing out samples
to passers-by who eagerly accepted.
This drew such attention,
those bright little boxes
were flying in every direction.
I stopped on my bicycle
to get me one.
A truck driver to my right asked
could I get him one.
It was "new microwave something"
and it wasn't until it was
tucked into my basket
that I discovered it was
"microwave extra crispy french fries."
Fat chance.
But I wasn't going to miss my chance.
Nor was anybody else.
What is the mystique of
a free sample of almost anything
that makes us clamor to get ours,
even makes us feel cheated if we don't?
We may work well and live well.
But if these free fries are any indication,
we're starving.


© Ellen Azorin