Black Friday Stoicism

I confess it is hard not to get swayed

By Black Friday deals, so far I have stayed

Away from promises of sales everywhere

Between Friday and Cyber Monday, let’s see how well I fare

I have resolved to accumulate fewer possessions

But for innovative products, I have to make concessions

There are things that I want, and some day might need

Things that appeal to my eclectic tastes indeed

Things I can afford, that can elevate

My lifestyle, objects that I can carefully curate

There are compelling arguments to buy them on sale

And just in an instant, I witness my resolve fail…

*

The minimalistic streak that was going strong until now

Is withering away, but I must not allow

Myself to be lured away by deals on stuff

That I don’t need, I have more than enough

So I turn my attention to the spirit of the holiday

That just passed, isn’t it ironic in a way

That right after we have expressed gratitude

For abundance, we are nudged to shift our attitude

To buy things, as if we are facing scarcity-

I remind myself before going on a shopping spree

That I have plenty in my life, grateful I should be

The best things in life never did cost money…