Spent

The salesman once bartered
“Thirty-two Thousand dollars for a new life?”
I bought it.
He described the growth and the change
“New fangled rooms” he said, “New friends and fun learning.”
I bought it.

Who knew that the waiting would make it feel so overrated
And I, so overcharged.

The salesman once bartered and I once listened
But all I have is an empty stoop
And a kink in my neck from saying goodbye.

They told me I would like it.
“You’ll like it, you will!”
I bought it.
They told me it’s worth the work.
They told me. They did.

But I stand here at the curb
The smell of corn whisking me back.
“Don’t forget a coat.” I repeat to myself.

Who knew the waiting would make it feel so overrated
And I,
so overcharged.