Poetry Project - Social Security

Years ago, I bought the book When I Am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple. While I've enjoyed many of the poems and short stories therein (especially "Warning" by Jenny Joseph, which is one of the inspirations for The Red Hat Society ladies you can see bustling about on fun outings these days), I think the one below is my most favorite.

Social Security
by Barbara Bolz

She knows a cashier who
blushes and lets her use
food stamps to buy tulip
bulbs and rose bushes.

We smile each morning as I
pass her - her hand always
married to some stick,
or hoe, or rake.

One morning I shout,
"I'm not skinny like
you so I've gotta run
two miles each day."

She begs me closer, whispers
to my flesh, "All you need,
honey, is to be on welfare
and love roses."