Retail Therapy

Yesterday I found myself slumped
into the saddest of trenches,
for no particular reason
other than a new moon cycle.
Instead of flopping myself
in my studio’s armchair to write,
I drove to the mall for an outing 
probably more expensive than 
what a therapist would charge
for an hour in his armchair. 

I wandered into the shoe store—
something about leather 
which grounds me, whether
the flimsy strapless heels 
or the closed-toed pumps or walkers. 

Already lugging two bags, I meander
into the lingerie store for silk 
to accentuate my only remaining 
middle-age curves, skipping over the thongs
and hesitating at the push-up section.

I try on four or five pairs of underwear
to accentuate my butt area,
the part of a woman which shares the 
secret of her fitness, that I work on 
each morning at seven.

I arrive at the boutique who sells my favorite 
blouses, gather some more bags, walking out
with an almost terminal case of rope burn,
until I finally decide it’s time to head back to my car. 
On my way I stop, smile, and realize 
there’s no better way to fight trench warfare.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2006

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Winter Avatar
October 6, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Oh yes, can identify with this well written verse immensely. Congratulations on your well deserved featured write of the week. Love, Shar
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
October 6, 2008 at 7:42 AM
Congratulations Diana on "Retail Therapy" being featured this week on Poetry Soup. I can still hear the guy in the Graduate telling Dustin Hoffman "Plastic", and I'm thinking how dangerous that is when it's in my wallet. God Bless. Vince
Jordan Avatar
October 6, 2008 at 5:28 AM
Diana - Very interesting poem - Leaves a feller with a lot to think about - congrats on being featured and God Bless
Richards Avatar
October 5, 2008 at 5:55 PM
A lot of us will indentify with this one! ~Enjoyed reading!! ~ Carrie
 Avatar
October 5, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Thank you for allowing me to smile with this one. Nice use of humor. Congratulations on having your poem featured. Keep on writing! Karen
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace