Useless Stuff

We are pelted daily on television by some brassy tout,
Hawking useless stuff we're told we can't survive without!
"Not available at your local store - the price cannot be outdone;
Order now and I'll send you two for the price of one!"

A pastime as American as baseball, barbeque and punkin pie,
Is touring yard sales! Mercy! The myriad of junk you can buy!
Neighbors hold sales displaying useless gimcrackery,
To rid themselves of whatchamacallits and other knickknackery!

Antique stores are a haven for cast-off falderol galore.
The shelves sag with stuff folks have no use for anymore.
It doesn't make sense to clutter my attic or spend my dollars,
On such stuff as antique coffee grinders or old horse collars!

Even my computer is not immune from spewing bodacious bunk,
Displaying a litany of unsolicited emails called "junk!"
Some guy in Liberia promises millions if only I'd send some cash.
Others with deals too good to be true - Lord, spare me this trash!

Alas, our house is crammed with stuff bought over the years,
At flea-markets, yard sales and from babbling auctioneers.
Most of it is useless, collects dust and takes up space.
Come to think of it, a yard sale might be my saving grace!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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A  Avatar
March 19, 2010 at 5:29 PM
Sounds like my house ..I don't need a t.v. to buy stupid stuff. Just take me 2 a store. WE WOMEN buy junk after junk...I do ..One day I plan 2 have a garage sale....Enjoyed...
Taylor Avatar
March 19, 2010 at 12:13 PM
Oh how true. It's unbelievable the junk we are inclined to hang on to.
Devonshire Avatar
March 19, 2010 at 10:44 AM
"Stuff" like this can create a lot of clutter, but people are still buying it, Bob! When I moved to a smaller house, you wouldn't believe how much stuff I left at the curb. You and Vera worked very well on that limerick. It gave me a good laugh! Just leave it alone and don't edit it -- it should remain on the list! I think last time you may have taken it down and reposted the Sea Tails Limerick, but a poltergeist may be at work. Love, Carolyn
Bathsheba Avatar
March 19, 2010 at 9:09 AM
I really enjoyed this write/rant of yours Robert - Thankyou for sharing -;)
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