Shopper’s Remorse

I enjoy the holidays, times of

Singing and mixing and giving

But as they depart

I expel an annual sigh

Lightening a palpable load

Though never fully free

I am for months ahead

Now less challenged

By the dread of … shopping.

You buy things all right

I was once sternly told

But you’re a terrible shopper

Guilty as charged, I admit

I’m great on comfort and function

Adequate on proper style

Reasonably color coordinated

Yet I’m Dante’s missing Canto

When  I think we’re done

And I hear, “Wait! Look!”

I’ve done penance for hours

And the exit is in sight

I’m unsure what we’re buying

Much less how X would like it

Opinion is the dessicated remainder

Of carefully titrated patience.

When that quantum is used up

I have basically disappeared

But shopping assumes I’m there

And I drag on to the end

One thankfully lengthened now

Until the next joyous season.

Charles B. Neff, January 2017