the boyfriend at the mall

I run into the boyfriend,
lumpy and bent,
at the mall,
he's in line at the jewelers,
nervously looking around,
buying another
tennis bracelet
for his true love. he looks
exhausted by the sudden
turn of events.
it's the
twenty ninth
piece of jewelry
he's given her this year
alone, engraved
of course, with the date
and names, hearts
and crosses. etc.
he'll write a note and save
the receipt
for her to keep,
to forever hide
and hold. he has a bundle
of flowers too,
and a gift bag
of trinkets, baubles
and books.
I almost go over to him
and slap him
on the back, and say
you poor sad man.
good luck, good luck
again with that. she likes
shiny things, this much
he's learned
and knows. once again
they're back at it.