Baubles

He resents buying her “baubles.”

His note on scratch paper

when he forgot her birthday

stating he would have 

bought flowers, chocolate, and a card

after work

but stores aren’t open 24 hours anymore—

should be enough.

New pots and pans for Christmas—

appreciated, 

already scorched by him and the children—

So thoughtful.

The wedding rings 

with the center stone 

taken from his ex-fiancé’s ring

should suffice.

She shouldn’t even notice.

The Tiffany olive cuff

she longed for—

He could have driven to get it,

had one sent to their home,

an unintended apology 

for lying about his other women.

The Bulova crystal bracelet,

new in box, shipped from Hawaii 

for her birthday—

to replace the scuffed one she cherished

that he’d disposed of ten years before—

a gift from her former love who died. 

He doesn’t believe in them.

She doesn’t deserve them.