# 12 lapsed romantic

merchandise of love

sets me up to fall

saw the signs approaching

through ads and sales calls

candy like a heart, chocolate rose in bloom

sordid lingerie or charge that jewelry?

it's the gift that matters thoughts are just plain cheap

i’m a lapsed romantic

with no tokens of love

can’t you tell my feelings

without wrappers and bows?

i’m a lapsed romantic

without a shopping list

i’m retail challenged

you better forget it

indebted feelings

must be shown bearing gifts

didn’t learn my lesson

life’s schooling me in this

the happily marrieds

always tell it like it is

a rate for every offense

empty hands though

out of the question

i’m a lapsed romantic

in the church of love

the place i’m headed

has no hail mary cure

i’m a lapsed romantic

guilty as charged

criminal negligence

when it comes to buying gifts