A KIND OF BEAUTY

(aka On last looking into Facebook Marketplace)

I’m angry,
And no Gustav Klimt-style
Cats painted in black
And white can appease me.

I’m angry at leather boots
In cream, tan and brown,
With three-inch stiletto heels
That would dent my
Floorboards, and the fact
That the kauri has already
Been pocked by rough trade.

I’m irate at the black lacy
Collar on a tiger-print nightie
From a popular PJs brand,
And palettes of nude and
Winter-shaded eyeshadow
That would suit me and,
Though barely touched … well, 
You don’t know 
What you might catch.

I’m angry at the blue-and-white
Checkered pattern of 
Fabric covering a chaise longue 
That is framed by dark brown timber,
Which should be white.
Mad at a collection of
Harry Potter books that I
Will never read again –
Though I had such affection
The first time round.

I detest the British racing green
Jaguar priced at $25,200,
And pair of black Velcro – cap V? – 
Sandals listed beside it; the
Cat enclosure I’ll never buy for our
Housebound kitten – 
At least the natives are safe from
Her pouncy, zooming hours:
Equal part astounding and nuisance.

I’m disturbed by 
Everything I see on
Marketplace,
And enraged by my
Desire to look, for distraction
Or pleasure or false economy
Of interest,
In this world, this life
I half-live between my
Bank balance and 
Broken dreams.

Give me enough and 
Nothing more. Give me
Making-ends-meet in
Frugal measure with
Scant spare change.
Give me hours for work
And toil – at home or 
The coal face –
And a bone weariness
To sleep at night.
Give me no further
Indulgence of food or
Service, wine or
Worldly chattel. Give me
Empty hands to
Greet my brothers and sisters,
Feel the breeze and
Water running into the
Sink; give me
Empty plates that bore
Just enough to keep the
Proverbial from the door;
An empty mind for
Thoughts to pass
Without my self attached.
Give me an empty heart
That treasures nought save
Gifts bestowed by God, 
And nature,
With such tremendous 
Generosity that
I clutch my chest and
Shudder – in awe and obeisance.

Written on the third day of Lent 2026.