The Present by Gary D. Grossman

The Present

We watered the neighbor’s plants
while he vacationed, and in appreciation
he gifted us a book on the local college
mascot. A bulldog, though we’re neither dog
people nor college fans. A professor of Hobbes
and Kant — I can’t see him purchasing the book,
unlikely that. But the episode brought
to mind regifting, a concept birthed,
like most twenty-first century ethics,
by Seinfeld & Co., where Elaine regifts
a label maker to Tim the physician,
who regifts it to Jerry, leading to
what can only be an infinite regress.
A single present passing from friend
to friend, in a chain of never-ending favors,
that aren’t. Regifting is real — eventually stores,
even Amazon, will feel the fate of dodos
and dinosaurs, because all that exists
in this stardust universe is seventeen
presents swapping countries and continents,
weddings and birthdays. As Seinfeld
and his posse excuse every bad behavior
with Well isn’t it the thought that counts,
as the last present in the world continues
to pass hand to hand, never to rest nor arrive.

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Gary D. Grossman enjoys writing and sharing his work, published in 65+ literary reviews. His graphic memoir, three books of poetry and gourmet venison cookbook all may be purchased via his website or Amazon. Gary enjoys running, fishing, gardening and playing the ukulele. Website: https://www.garygrossman.net/ .