don't answer the house phone

it's a number
you don't recognize.
international it says.
it could be anyone,
or someone selling
windows, or love,
or a time share
rental in bermuda.
but you pick
it up anyway.
and it's your mother,
she's selling
steak knives over
the phone. mom,
you say, it's me
your son. why are
you doing this.
i'm bored, plus i
could use some extra
cash for jigsaw
puzzles and yarn.
she's flustered now
and has lost her place
on the prewritten card
to sell her knives.
i have to start over
now, she says. let
me read this. these
knives are fantastic
she adds quickly
you could really use
some new ones, the
last time i was at
your house i couldn't
even cut a piece of
chicken with the knives
you put out. then
she begins to read
from her card. These
fine crafted knives
will last you a life
time. Whether you
are slicing a tomato,
a steak, or a three
tiered cake, you will
be amazed at how smooth
these knives cut. so,
she says, how would
you like to pay for
your order? credit
or check?