To paraphrase Phil 
From the movie City Slickers
If Catalogues were people I'd be China!

Something happened
When I reached 
Senior citizen status

Each day, catalogues arrive
In stacks of colorfully emblazoned 
Glossy paper, filling my mail box with temptations

There are the ones for clothing
If you are fat, with arthritis, and can’t fasten buttons 
Or for when you travel, which I never do

There is the hardware store 
Kind, with whatever works for
Whatever kind of household hack you need

There are the salves and potion
Kind, with subscription-worthy pots
Of goop that one absolutely needs

There is a little catalogue
Narrow, with a tea bag sample
That offers countless kinds of tea

Jewelry, make-up, razor blades
Vibrators, oils, candles
Wigs, and toupee catalogues

Where did I sign up for this
Deluge of paper?
Is there somewhere I don't know about

Where it's leaking catalogues
And if so, can I stick a rag
Into that hole?

Yet, some days I pick them up
And look, just in case
I might need something.



By Diane E. Dockum
©April 19, 2023