377.
The 3 Traders
Now that the Orient knows we're here
The Superpowers came to trade their stuff so dear…
First were entrepreneurs of the Red Giant
Meaty foods, fine clothings, housewares so elegant
Second were adventurers of the Sub-Continent
Strange gems, music & language here they sent
Third were missionaries of the Cradle of Islam
Believers of this system to Allah come
…These Chinese, Indians & Arabs our ancestors befriended
Their influence upon us never goes depleted!
-09/11/2015
(Dumarao)
*Philippine History Rhyme Collection
To tickle my fancy,
I like places plain.
From fancy environments,
I must abstain.
The same goes for clothing
And housewares and food.
For anything showy,
I’m not in the mood.
I sometimes like funky
And whimsy is cool,
But gaudy or flashy
I would overrule.
I don’t want things boring
Or sterile or bland,
Yet there’s lots of room
Between tepid and grand.
I thrive in the middle,
For deep in my gut,
I’m far from a pedigree,
More like a mutt.
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?
The quality is not the best,
The choices not too many,
But it's the place to go to save
The so-called "pretty penny."
The aisles are filled with housewares,
Wrapping paper, cards and toys.
You'll find candy and cosmetics,
Socks and bibs for girls or boys.
Decorations for a party,
School supplies and bags of snacks;
There are sheets and towels and blankets,
Even underwear on racks.
I would hate to have to shop there,
Though so many people do.
Still, it's hard to pass one by without
A stop to see what's new.
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