Too Hot There Anyhow

California,

you sent me just what I thought needed

straight from the orange groves, soft and sweet.

Brought to me by jetplane,

something I was certainly not expecting;

straight up the west coast, all blue and green from the air.

And I was thanking you as I

paced 'round the vestibule with that gold star on my mind.

California,

you would not believe the week I'm having,

handling your merchandise,

but I'll send it back like you've asked

even though I'm not quite through.

You and I have had our differences

in the past, but, California, can we call a temporary truce?

So I can see some palm trees and

walk the piers

and get myself south enough of here

to feel some sunshine for the first time in a long time

It would be a lie if I said that I did not enjoy

the preview you sent up to me of your winter line.

But in the future, please don't bother

with samples or mailings or product descriptions

of things you know I want, but you never have on hand.

And I don't understand;

I keep calling, placing my order.

I would pay for what I want

over and over and over and over and over

But I don't need undoing,

reconstruction or improving

and, California, I have got my pride.