Indebted Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Indebted to credit,
Beliefs claimed faithfully seldom kept to keep.
Shopaholics crowding enormous malls.
Looking through duplications of imitations made.
With a seeking to find something special,
For someone to gift.
And hoping they appreciate,
The price paid for it.

"Merry Christmas.
Happy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa too! "

-Ooohhh.
How nice and thoughtful.
But you didn't have to...-

"I felt it a must.
You knew my feelings for you."

-But...
You didn't have to...
Leave the price tag on it.
Did you? -

"Oh. That?
My bad.
I totally forgotten how much I paid for it."

-Yeah?
Then why is it taped inside the box.
With bold and blackened arrows,
Pointing right to it! -

"I just wanted you to notice,
How much you mean to me, that's all.
It's the gift.
And not the price of it.
Keep that in your thoughts.
As I will.
For the rest of my indebted life."

-I am thrilled beyond belief.-

"Well,
We'll see how long that thrill stays.
Before it's gone."

-Who knew.
I enjoy B.B.King too! -

"B.B...who? "