or The Pilfered Amaryllis Plant

Well, I didn’t actually “steal” it–
I chose not to give it to her.

I kept it for myself.

When Christmas day plans were postponed
due to a blizzard of a head cold,
I looked at the plant’s shoot poking out of dirt
and appropriated it.

I reasoned
I could give another such plant to my aunt
or I could re-gift a box of chocolates from Trader Joes.

I rationalized
I had had a bad year—a calamity-ridden bad year.*

And that valiant shoot, like a switchblade knife
seeking sunlight, spoke to me.

The plant’s info tag cinched the decision.
It promised easy maintenance
an outrageous growth rate,
and glorious red flowers the size of salad plates.

So, I removed the pot’s Christmas wrapping
and placed the Amaryllis plant in direct sunlight.

Next, I eyed the box of home-made brownies
intended for my brother and sister-in-law.

*My dog needed $800 worth of oral surgery
My car ‘had a broken crank shaft.
My favorite lipstick and brassiere brands were discontinued