Half a dozen scavengers stand by patiently like hyenas near a pride of lions after a fresh kill. They subtly vie for the best position in preparation for the moment the prey becomes available for their own consumption. They carefully avoid eye contact with one another for fear of revealing their strategy, to be first to the spoils despite arriving late to the scene and, by all rights, should not feast first. But there is no written rule, no law that says first come, first served. It is merely implied and only a sense of morality will keep them from rushing ahead of the pack. And morality is scarce here. It is tense in the short moments before they can make their move, but it feels like an eternity. Finally the moment comes. The spoils have been left for whomever lies in wait nearby. One by one each scavenger moves in and takes a portion for their own, perhaps taking a little extra for their family who waits away from the scene, perhaps even taking a little extra for themselves hoping no one notices. Finally, the spoils are gone. No food remains and the scavenger pack dissipates. They wander off in search of more; and there are more. There are at least ten sample food kiosks in this particular Costco, and this scene repeats itself every Sunday afternoon. I’m not ashamed to admit that I took part in it today. I have in the past and I will do so again in the future. And I do so with no intention of buying any of it!
(Note: Originally posted on March 10th, 2013)
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