becoming a woman

it's a good day to go shopping.

a good day for
sales,

coupons, fifty per cent off.
I've got a handful.

DSW, BED BATH AND BEYOND,
macy's, lord and taylor's,

but what do I need? how many more
shoes
can I possibly own.

black sweaters, I think six are
enough.

coats, jeans, pants, dress shirts.
I could dress an army
with the clothes that fill four
closets.

I see the empty vase
on the counter and think
I could use a bouquet of flowers.

I've become a woman in my old age,
but without the lipstick
and mascara.

i'm standing at the stove now,
holding a spatula,
wearing an apron,
looking out
the kitchen window.