I’ve got a birds-eye view of snow-capped Mount Hood, as we make our way to out of PDX on the short Alaska flight to San Francisco. The dogs are left behind this time in the care of my step daughter and her fiancé, as we get the scoop on next month’s wedding of my other step daughter. My wife got some work stress relief today at the office, so it should be a pleasant weekend. I had my grumpy game face on as we left town, stressed about potential airport hassles. This is unfortunately a typical mood for me any more as we leave town and the comforts of home.

I met with the realtor yesterday as planned to get her assessment on selling our home and moving into a rental property. My wife is “practicing for retirement,” as I began to do five years ago in anticipation of her next stage of life. (See Post #1). She doesn’t want to be tied to a Portland property, as values may diminish in the coming years. I’m in favor of her downsizing efforts in lieu of future travel.

In an effort to make our home more appealing to potential buyers, the agent had several suggestions, including de-cluttering. We have lots of knick-knacks on shelves and counter-tops that can be distracting. She recommended storing them in the garage and behind closed cabinets. Out of the blue, I came up with this catch-phrase, typical of my rhyming mind: “If in doubt? – get it out.” I applied this philosophy to a lengthier poem that I wanted to share:

If In Doubt?

When it comes to clutter,
And you’re in doubt.
Don’t leave it there,
Clear it on out.

Same with garbage,
When stink’s in doubt.
Spray some freshener,
Or Pitch it out.

Tooth decay,
Some pain no doubt.
Call your dentist,
To yank it out.

At the fork in the road,
If there’s a doubt?
Whatever you do,
Don’t take THAT route.

Or, the library’s on fire,
And escape’s in doubt?
Ignore the Sh! Signs,
And start to shout.

Little old ladies,
If safety’s your doubt.
Don’t cross the street.
Without a Scout.

Banquet food,
Order in doubt?
Don’t get chicken,
Try the trout.

On stormy seas,
If any doubt.
Reset your sails,
To “Come About.”

A tidal wave,
Leaves little doubt.
You’re about to,
Soon “Wipe Out.”

If your belief’s,
A “Giant” doubt.
Go ahead and plant,
A tall bean stalk.

Is “Moby Dick,”
A Tale of doubt?
No need to fear,
That water spout.

On Christmas Eve,
If your gift’s in doubt.
Whatever you do,
You better not pout!

Copyright 2019 johnstonwrites.com