This poem was written a few years ago. I’m bringing it back because of an inspirational phone call from my vagabond husband and traveler son. They called me from a large airport during a layover, and one of the sites they saw was 6 — count’em, SIX — Starbucks during the 20 minutes (!) since their first plane landed. I love coffee, and Starbucks makes it very well. But come on, folks, there are limits. The poem is written in a modified pantoume form, which utilizes repetition and order.

Where am I?

McDonald’s
Starbucks
Chinese take-out chain
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Starbucks
Barnes and Noble
Krispy Kreme doughnuts
Another Starbucks.

Barnes and Noble
Or is it Borders Books?
Yet another Starbucks
Menard’s or Home Depot?

Borders Bookstore (I think)
Dry Cleaning Chain
Home Depot (or is it Lowe’s)
Opening soon — Starbucks!

Dry Cleaning and Shoe Repair
Grocery superstore
Starbucks — grand opening!
Walgreens Pharmacy

Superstore with grocery
Baskin Robbins ice cream
Walgreens Pharmacy and Gifts
Is anything locally owned?

Baskin robbins and Dunkin’ Doughnuts?
Chinese take-out chain
Locally owned? I think not.
At last — McDonald’s.