I am currently working on the next chapter of Lady Elizabeth.  Who knew writing a period story would be so challenging?  But, as I find myself increasingly concerned with historical accuracy, increasingly much time must be spent on researching the minutest little details (it’s really quite fun), and each sentence’s wording and structure requires careful thought.

So, more is coming!  In the mean time, here is a (completely unrelated) pantoum-style poem for you, in memorial of my old job as a cashier:

Department Store Dance

Have a wonderful day!

A Rewards Card really is a plus—

This is the script I have to say—

And thank you for shopping with us!

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“A Rewards Card really is a plus,”

With a perfectly-postured stance.

“Thank you for shopping with us,”

Just part of the monotonous dance.

.

With perfectly-postured stance,

Not long do my co-workers ever stay.

Just part of this monotonous dance.

I learn their names, they go away.

.

Not long do my co-workers ever stay.

Make sure the product scans.

I learn their names, they go away.

Place carefully in the bag so it stands.

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Make sure the product scans.

Don’t make the computer work too fast,

Then place carefully in the bag so it stands.

Who knows how much longer the register will last.

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Don’t make the computer work too fast.

If the customer’s angry, give them a smile.

Who knows how much longer the register will last.

Don’t make them wait a long while.

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If the customer’s angry, give them a smile,

Even if I know it isn’t my fault.

Don’t make them wait a long while—

My line should never come to a halt.

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Even if I know it isn’t my fault,

Minimum wage is the best I can get.

My line should never come to a halt.

I’m too young to be paid well yet.

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Minimum wage is the best I can get,

So this is the script I say.

I’m too young to be paid well yet.

Have a wonderful day.