Home » Poems » Ilene Bauer » The Thrift Shop

The Thrift Shop

The thrift shop takes donations – Clothing, housewares, jewelry, books And much of it is junk, but some Deserving second looks. I rarely make a purchase but At times I fill a bag With items I no longer use For them to sort and tag. It hasn’t happened yet, but still, I wonder how I’d feel To see a stranger wearing My old clothes – would they appeal? I ditched them for a reason But to see them looking fine On another person’s body, Would I wish they still were mine?

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David Smith

Date: 3/18/2023 7:21:00 PM

Interesting thought, I am glad our paths crossed and I will delve more into your work when writers block re-emerges. Our second daughter and partner along with our grandson are moving in to save for house so I will try and sweet talk my wife into doing same with her 30 years of accumulation of different styles of dress. It is always pays to avoid a tit for tat situation when freeing up space. Have a great weekend David in NZ

Marikate Kingston

Date: 2/21/2023 8:19:00 PM

I will never forget the day I filled 2 bags. One was filled with donations for the Goodwill, another for the dry cleaners. I drove up the Goodwill window and handed my bag of donations to the employee. Guess what happened to the second bag ? :0( Let's just say the dry cleaner was confused why I wanted Legos to be pressed!

Ilene Bauer
Date: 2/23/2023 5:37:00 PM

That is a great story, Marikate! I hope you were able to get your clothes back, but if not, at least someone else got some better-than-usual donated items!

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 2/13/2023 12:40:00 PM

- I gladly share what I don't use, Ilene ... why not ... better to give away than to throw away :) - Lovely and honest poem :) - hugs

Speaks Volumes

Date: 2/12/2023 1:19:00 PM

I love looking through racks at a thrift shop. Its like a treasure hunt. Feel so excited when you find a treasure to pay a few dollars for and take it home (probably never to wear). Loved your poem Ilene.

Vickey Rhymer

Date: 2/12/2023 12:04:00 PM

Ilene ,I like to go to thrift stores too however I rarely leave empty handed.As yourself I also donate and sometimes find myself looking over an item of housewares only to realize it may in fact be a recent donation of my own.My hope this year is to reduce my holdings to the bare minimum.Enjoyed this donation on your part.