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Size Lies
Clothing manufacturers are fond of tricks today,
Making female customers feel good in one slick way—
Whatever size they’ve always been—they’re now two sizes smaller!
So next they might try making men think they’re three inches taller.
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Bedrock
Sometimes late at night when she’s sleeping,
I like to look over and see,
God’s bounty that I have been reaping:
Her choice of a lifetime with me.
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Asked and Answered
“At what time do you think we should go?”
A decision with which he seemed tasked.
But when he picked a time, she said, “No.”
He can’t figure out why he was asked.
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Russel Winick recently started writing poetry after ending a long legal career. He resides in Naperville, Illinois.
I always enjoy your humor, Russel. This size con has been going on for a long time. I’m glad you called it out.
Thanks Cynthia. You’re ahead of us. We just started noticing the sizing shenanigans a few years ago!
Short, snappy, clever, crafty!
Thank you Roy. I’m grateful for your kind words, always.
Sarcastic, secure, and stupefied, in that order.
Yep, you nailed it. Thanks Alan!
Russel, the happy satisfaction of “Bedrock” shines all the more for the humble gratitude displayed. It is “God’s bounty” and “her choice” that create the scene. As Cynthia remarks, the “size lies” started long ago, and somewhere along the way took a second step, so that you’re quite correct about “two sizes smaller.” And at this point, with many women wearing spike or stack or wedge heels, men do no more than regain their height in proportion if they think they’re three inches taller. As for measuring, you vary meter well in this group!
Thanks Margaret, as always. You nailed “Bedrock” perfectly, as it indeed is about humble gratitude. And the varied meter is why I struggled in answering Evan’s and Roy’s survey question about a “go to” meter, finally concluding that I didn’t have one. Your comments are just outstanding!
Three more gems from you, Russel. On women’s sizing – it’s a nightmare! The sizes are all over the place, and they vary from brand to brand. Your “Bedrock” poem conveys much tenderness in a few short lines.
Thank you Cheryl. Your comments always mean a lot, and are uplifting and greatly appreciated!
Russel, every one of these poems has made me smile and I recognize myself in “Asked and Answered”, but it’s “Bedrock” that has captured my heart from its clever title to its closing line. There is such beauty in its brevity.
Thank you Susan, glad you liked them. Hope all is well.
You tackle a subject in “Size Lies” that has frustrated many a man who has ever bought clothes for a woman.
Yep. Thanks Adam.