Buying in Bulk

There is a
Joy
that comes only
in bulk--

In five pound bags
of mozzarella,
so big I could swim in
the white anemone promise
of endless pizza and lasagna;

In columns
of soup
standing at attention,
like British red coats,
ready to combat
the malaise of pb&j;

In a cemetery
of eggs,
stoic and grim
til they resurrect
sunny side up
on the breakfast plate;

In rows
of toothbrushes,
like candy-colored mummies
waiting in their plastic sarcophagi
for forgetful overnight guests.

There is always an extra plate to set
when the count is 175,
enough sugar to sweeten the bitter
when a 25lb bag slumps in the pantry,
enough paper to soak up the mess
when spare rolls line the uppermost shelf.

There is more than
enough.