Saturday.

As he sat there at peace with his dogs at his side,
she approached him and said ” let’s go for a ride.”

He glanced at the computer, no emails or RSS to be read,
so he blurted unexpectedly “let’s go shopping instead.”

As soon as he said it, he had immediate regret,
“Sure,” she baited him, “let’s go to Target.”

Remember December, it’s been a tough year,
401K cut, portfolio down, midst of recession, future unclear.

Quickly he thought, what’s an option to shopping, AHA!
“It’s so very nice, let’s get naked and sit in the spa!”

As they pulled into the Target lot with the rest of the crowd,
he wasn’t yet totally broken, “I will shop too, he vowed.

As they entered the store, a choice was clear,
electronics and candy – left, Christmas clearances – rear.

Remember December, it’s been a tough year,
401K cut, portfolio down, midst of recession, future unclear.

As he wandered among stuff and checked prices,
it became clear there was nothing here for any of his vices.

Their paths crossed again, she hadn’t gotten far,
“…heading for the bathroom…” “…I’ll wait in the car…”

He tuned in some bluegrass and began the wait,
she came soon, skipped the door, opened the tailgate.

Remember December, it’s been a tough year,
401K cut, portfolio down, midst of recession, future unclear.

“I got Macy’s money, I think you need some pants.”
“No, let’s skip it, I got plenty” with a look askance.

“Damn” he thought, “Amazon sale!” It was shirts he bought.
“Barnes and Noble?” she asked. “Nah,” he replied, “let’s not.”

Kohl’s was a siren call coming at the next intersection,
He maneuvered the car in the opposite direction.

Remember December, it’s been a tough year,
401K cut, portfolio down, midst of recession, future unclear.

They returned home and decluttered the car,
he headed outside to the sun to enjoy a cigar.

She was not happy when she poked her head out the door.
“Oliver’s got a problem and there’s bloody poop on the floor.”

He speculated what got into Oliver – the old fogey,
but just sat there and enjoyed the rest of  his stogey.

Remember December, it’s been a tough year,
401K cut, portfolio down, midst of recession, future unclear.

The clouds did roll in, he finally threw down the butt,
and stepped inside to clean up after the mutt.

She was already running the cleaner – clearly on the brink,
Without a pause, “just stay outside until you don’t stink.”

Since he already had a started his blog thought,
he grabbed a pad and paper on which to jot.

Remember December, it’s been a tough year,
401K cut, portfolio down, midst of recession, future unclear.

It will be colder tomorrow, probably rain too, so no cigar then
He grabbed another one and headed outside again.

He tried to sneak it, what was his cover? what was handy?
“She’ll believe this, I’ll grab a handful of candy.”

Framed print of a giraffe leaned on the shelf against the wall.
He shoved the candy dish against it, causing it to fall.

Remember December, it’s been a tough year,
401K cut, portfolio down, midst of recession, future unclear.

Down it came busting the frame, smashing the glass.
He cussed to himself  “go for the second? you dumb ass.”

He cleaned up the shards, got a nice finger sliver.
She gave him a look that replaced the pain with a shiver.

She’ll replace the scene of the animal and it’s long neck,
probably using the bulk of his coming Google check.

Remember December,

it’s been a tough year,

401K cut, portfolio down, midst of recession,

future very unclear.