Sunday papers-Joe jackson

In total distress
I checked the paper
and pulled a few coupons

I hit the mall
and wandered
Listening to Others
shopping for gifts
"Don't ya think she will like this?" They asked eachother.
I came very close
to a purchase for myself
a soft heather grey and winter white sweater
with snowflakes
(not like this but in the same department)

Ralph Lauren
$165
even with the discount coupon I toted in hand
I could not do it...

I touched it
and everything else around it
The Healther grey sweater
the Winter white corduroys
The blushing pink cashmere
I touched all of it...
Then I left empty handed..

On the way out
I strolled through the mens department
Touching sweaters there as well
Wishing I had someone who needed a purchase...
and then....
The cologne counter caught me

Hugo Boss
...a spray on my arm
...a spritz on a white card to carry home in my pocket
and I lay here on my bed
engulfed in it

Stopped on the way home
got stuff for St Nick
My stocking will remain empty.