Page two of any LA Times provides
A sharp insight into western culture.
It really does. For on that page abide
Stark, gripping ads, the fertilizing mulch
Nourishing our lives. Three thousand bucks buys
A neat crocodile-skin purse from Neiman,
While a mere six hundred seventy pries
(From Gearys) a charming carafe—decant
Your wine therein, then pour from it the bling
Embellishing your meal. Three hundred thou
Fetches Winston diamond cluster earrings!
Your Ulysse-Nardin watch waits at Déjaun.
Wide-eyed, I stare, shake my addled head, sigh,
Then muse: who buys this awe-full stuff, and why?
(11/19/07)