I learned to
buy no more than what I need
back when my besties burned to

gather goods
in bulk. They bought from big shelf
names instead of neighborhoods.

I’d deride,
except I need to nix now,
and stock what I’ve specified

I’ll want when
viral loads subvert the vend,
when we’re arrested again.

I used to
burn to buy no more than one –
of late I learn to choose two.