RETAIL THERAPY
Homage to Berryman
Happy Harriet walks through Walmart
no end delighted. Whatsit ya want,
Miss Priss, her alter hisses–make up
your mental. So many stuffs, such a too-
muchness! Wanting it all oh every which way.
Choice-challenged. What if she
gets it wrong? Shame on you, greedy girl…
Home now Harriet heavy with goodies. Bagged.
Unpack me quick! Gadgets galore, bath-towels
Madly Mauve, batteries enough to batter
the moons. Our poor Harriet, Walmartyred
hides all in most bottom-some drawers.
Folds receipt into origami shipshape–
of fools. Deep-sixes the lost day. Time at last
for her aching feet. And the evening noose.
GERALDINE ZETZEL POETRY 