tightening the screws

at certain points

in your life, you take out a sheet

of paper

and take stock

of your finances.

what's coming in,

what's going out.

the electric bill.

the mortgage,

food, gas,

insurance,

miscellaneous items,

and Betty.

but then 

a smile comes

to your face when

you figure you can save

two thousand

dollars a year if you no

longer go to Starbucks

for coffee and a scone,

and a newspaper,

and another thousand

if you cancel

Showtime, 

Hulu, Peacock,

SiriusXM

and HBO.