When the dead mall was still alive,

a newborn, kicking & screaming,

teeming with activity. The arcade

pumped full of pinballs & coins. The

children's carousel whirling & twirling

aside shops & kiosks & a crescent of

escalators crowning the three-tiered,

three-story wishing fountain, glittering

copper & silver under the skylight.

The food court a flashing festival of

neon lights. Hope hung & strung from

Taco Bell to Orange Julius. A glorious

Pandora's box, open & unhinged.