On Target

How come when you're in a store
The urge is strong to buy?
Even things you do not need
Temptation can't deny.

Let's take a store like Target,
With quite a varied range.
If you leave empty-handed,
I would find that very strange.

I stopped in for a doormat,
I'd seen one in a flyer,
And I assured my husband
That was all I would acquire.

But on my way, I passed the sheets,
Which looked so darn alluring,
I realized that my sheets at home
Were old and pretty boring.

And all the towels looked so bright,
In colors bold and cheery,
I had to buy some to replace
The ones at home, so dreary.

My husband called my cell phone, twice;
Annoyed, he said, "I'm waiting!"
But meanwhile he was killing time
By slowly circulating.

He'd found a pack of batteries,
A bargain, I conceded;
And by the time we left the store,
We'd bought more than we needed.

I'm sure most people do the same,
If only now and then;
But as for me, I cannot wait
To go there once again!

Wisdom

Sometimes getting older
Does indeed mean getting wise.
Things that used to bother me
No longer do – surprise!

On a getaway with girlfriends
I don’t have to join the crowd.
If I choose to skip the spa massage,
It’s cool – I am allowed.

If I opt to stay outside the pool,
Relax and soak some sun,
I don’t have to feel I’m missing out
On all the splashy fun.

Of course, it always was okay,
Except inside my head;
But now, with wisdom’s confidence,
I’m comfortable instead.

We had a lovely mini-trip
And did most things together;
But several times I slipped right through
The group-dynamic tether.

And it was fine and fun and free
And quite intoxicating;
It’s such a kick to learn
This power was inside me, waiting.

To Thrive

Some people thrive in the heat or cold;
Some people live for a thrill.
Others do poorly when off the grid;
Extremes make them feel rather ill.

Risk-takers flourish when scaling heights
Or floating on top of the air;
Cautious folks like to be on the ground,
Immune to a challenge or dare.

How you are programmed is not your fault;
Your DNA’s set in stone.
So if you like danger or play it safe,
Take comfort – you’re not alone.

For daredevils droop when the danger’s gone;
And risk makes the wary ones scatter.
You know in which grouping you do belong,
And I know I’m one of the latter.

Yet once in a while I cross the line;
And always, I live to regret it.
Accept who you are in your heart and head –
Your body won’t let you forget it.

Hot!

It’s way too hot to be outside;
I felt like I was roasting.
It’s too hot to do anything,
Except perhaps this posting.

This weather makes me want to be
Some place that’s nice and cool.
It’s not enough to be nearby
An ocean, lake, or pool.

I like to be where I can walk
Without profusely sweating.
Living where I live, of course,
I knew what I was getting.

But some days are ridiculous;
Today is one of those.
If I didn’t have A/C,
I’d perish, I suppose.

But since I do, I’ll stay inside,
Indebted to Con Ed;
Although when I receive my bill,
I’ll hate their guts instead.

At a Bridal Shower

Look! Some pots! Some pans! Some knives!
Gifts for up and coming wives.
Wooden spoons and silverware,
Nightgowns that are barely there.
Coffee pot and mixing bowls,
Pyrex picked for casseroles.
Towels, glasses, and a blender;
Stuff from big and little spender.
Oohs and aahs at serving trays;
Every gift elicits praise.

Being at a bridal shower
Makes one wish things had the power
To grant each bride a guarantee
That life will now be worry-free.
After all, with such provisions
Meals should not be tough decisions.
Yet here’s a bit of food for thought:
Happiness cannot be bought.
So still, despite each brand-new perk,
Marriage is a lot of work.

Here’s hoping that your new collection
Points you in the right direction.
Household stuff is just the start;
Nutrition lies within your heart.

Wrapping a Gift

I cannot wrap a present;
I do not have the knack.
Whatever skills it takes to do so
Are the ones I lack.

I purchase pretty paper.
I’ll even buy a bow;
But why it looks pathetic when I’m done
I just don’t know.

I hate to plan and measure.
I eyeball, cut and fold.
The finished product proves the point –
It’s something to behold.

Instead of smooth, it’s lumpy.
The corners do not match;
And sometimes I miscalculate
And try to hide a patch.

Other gifts get oohed and aahed,
The wrapping looks so great.
Recipients rip mine right off
And never hesitate.

But isn’t that what wrapping’s for,
To tear into with zest?
It shouldn’t really matter then
Whose wrapping looks the best.

Shiva

Paid a shiva* call today,
No one I know well;
Still, it was appreciated,
Far as I can tell.

Lots of friends dropped by to help
Alleviate her grief;
Company and food provide
A trickle of relief.

The widow seemed relaxed and calm
And really in control.
No matter what she felt inside,
She nailed her new-found role.

I tried to picture how she feels
When everyone gets going,
And she is left to mourn alone;
There is no way of knowing.

But while we’re there, she can pretend
That life is as it should be;
And we, the visitors, reflect
On death and how it could be.

*Jewish custom of receiving guests after a death