Living Within Reduced Means Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Variety may be the spice of life...
For those who can choose,
Whether or not...
To have beans and rice,
With a taste for steak.
Thawing to roast and bake,
In a pre-heated oven.

Some today see variety as a luxury.
And preparing rice and beans,
Has become a daily ritual.
Since fixed budgets,
Have arrived on their scenes.

Living within reduced means,
Is a reality for many that has demeaned.
And those still fortunate to have variety,
In their lives...
Stretch limited paychecks,
Realizing they have no idea...
What each day to them brings next.

Yet hopeful they are,
What is enjoyed today for them stays.
At least until that steak that thaws,
Is cooked.
And delivered in a presentation,
That is well done with vegetables...
Dripping deliciously and sautéed.
As seen in gourmet cookbooks.

And leftovers are as appreciated...
Without getting a dirty look.
From someone who believes...
An abundance of choices,
Will remain to feed their greed.

And prayers received are answered,
That returns them to an accustomed...
Feast of gluttony.
Without the fears of retribution,
That the stolen beef they eat...
Will not be taken from them by other thieves.