Sears Catalogue dreams,
turn to shit
placed in the outhouse.
Reams stacked high
like people’s dreams,
waiting to tip.
Cat clawed rolls
scarred,
piled in heaps.
Bits and pieces
thrown in anger,
confetti tossed in joy.
Like so much,
paper’s all in the using.

De is hosting Quadrille Monday at dVerse, the virtual pub for poets around the globe! Today, we’re to use the word “paper” or a form of the word (not a synonym) within our poem of exactly 44 words, sans title. I had a bit of fun with this one.
I love this, Lil. Perfect combination of poignant, with a little humor.
LikeLike
The many uses of paper, for sure! (And I’m so glad I don’t have to use an outhouse with a Sears catalog. . .)
LikeLike
It’s definitely a ninja tool isn’t it. Very enjoyable read.
LikeLike
Waltzing with reality!
LikeLike
This is so damn witty.
LikeLike
A Sears catalogue sounds a bit…shiny?…for an outhouse! Love this list poem.
LikeLike
During the pioneer days, catalos all found their way to outhouses. I’ve even seen a few phone books serving the need.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Necessity is the mother of invention, they say!
LikeLike
A great, down-to-earth (closet) use of the prompt, Lillian!
LikeLike
Those were the days. And yes, paper has so much uses (I still use them to write).
LikeLike
this tickled my funny bone. great use of the prompt.
LikeLike
It isn’t the material but the intention. Great message!
LikeLike
Clever you!
LikeLike
Oh man, another chapter, another roll. 😂 Good reminder to not take things so seriously. Thank you.
LikeLike
This throwaway world….poetry of serious substance….wonderfully scribed..
LikeLike
Paper’s all in the using. This made me grin, good use of the prompt.
LikeLike
As crude and rude as paper gets. Bravo!!!
Much💜love
LikeLike
I was going to write about how much I love your poem, Lillian, but then I got to the photo of the out house, and now I have to write that I love how perfect that photo is for this piece – I got a real kick out of that!
-David
LikeLike
The picture can inspire dread as well as relief. What is behind door number 1?/2?
Love the poem, the tipping balance of paper dreams to shit. Brilliant.
LikeLike
The many uses of paper! Love this.
LikeLike
Let me count the ways we use paper…wonderful Lillian!
LikeLike
Love this – the combination of humour and metaphor.
LikeLike
I don’t know, paper is a thing itself as well as a tool. It has a self-ness to it.
LikeLike