WINDOW-SHOPPING
4/4/39

I went downtown to pay the sundry bills,
And, woman-like, experienced all the thrills
Of window-shopping; also all the ache
Of seeing just the dress I want, yet cannot take.

The more I gazed, the more my hunger grew
For lovely things; the fourteen-dollar shoe;
The saucy, tilted hat of gentian blue,
That teased and coaxed, "Oh, take me home with you."

I hurried on, lest I should long too much,
And reached a street that boasted none of such
Enchanting things; the contrast was a shock;
Yet I am glad I ventured down the block.

A sign read, "WHEEL CHAIRS - CRUTCHES - TRUSSES" - All
The aids to crippled folks within its hall.
Then - gone my dreams, like bubbles in a breeze;
And I thanked God that I need none of these.

FLORENCE B. TAYLOR -
Lyndhurst, Ohio

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