i don't chase happiness.
i shop for it.

i don't collect things.
i collect versions of me.

every receipt
is proof
that i chose something
and carried it home.

the hoops catch light.
the gloss catches light.
the fries catch salt.
the shrimp is warm.
the lemonade is cold.

nothing underneath.
nothing secret.
nothing waiting
to become meaningful.

the thing is the thing.

pink is pink.
gold is gold.
glitter is glitter.
lunch is lunch.

i bought what i wanted.
i liked what i bought.
i looked at it.

that is the whole transaction.