a little bit,
a cunning dance,
not quite a gamble,
yet still a chance.

an awesome deal,
if you find the place,
maybe a steal,
if you win the race.

you gave your thanks
for what you’ve got,
now find a treasure!
you’ve got a shot!

how about this thing
you’ve never needed
it’s half price now
it’s even beaded.

with all the things
we seem to own
our need for crap
has grown and grown.

we buy ugly sweaters
that are made that way!
to wear them once
then throw away.

we turn up our nose
if the gifts we get
aren’t new and shiny
or don’t rack up debt.

while all the while
there are hidden gems
of home and style
discarded for whims.

the thrift store pros
know the secret grace
of discovering treasures
and finding them a place.

heirloom crystal discards
glitter and gleam in rows
some forgotten grandma’s silver
simply waiting for a bow.

the things we drop
in thrift stores bins
we hope absolve us
of our greedy sins.

it’s shameful to think
we buy so much
it’s almost like shopping
is a national crutch.

———
m.morehead 12/01/2020