An Ode to Craft Stores

“Where a mom can cradle creativity rather than children”

By: Marie Ronnander

Great halls full of fluorescent lighting;

The automatic doors beckon me in. 

The sweet, sweet smell of glue and goo 

Mingle in the air as I graze through

The intoxicating isles of art supplies. 

Pots of paints and much, much more

Oh! The joys of the craft store. 

The scrap-booking aisle smiles upon me,

I have been welcomed home warmly. 

Pushing through papers 

I finally find the tiny treasures 

I yearned for: Maternity Stickers.

“Blessed is your Baby to Be”

A single tear of joy falls gracefully.

Rounding the corner I exclaim,

There is a new blend of argyle wool!

Glints of green and a brush of brown,

Perfectly plush and soft as a cat

I can use this for Hhannahh’s new hat. 

It will be as oddly original

As the spelling of her name. 

As my journey comes to an end

There is one last thing I look for,

An ideal edition to the store:

The Do It Yourself section.

I trod over, dancing with delight.

They have macrame plant holders

Oh! What a lovely sight. 

Now onto the register, I must not falter

Though the Christmas themed trimmings

Are far too good to be true. 

Gingerbread kits and elves on shelves;

Even little partridges in their pear trees.

In the sheer ecstasy of the holiday

I become saddened that I cannot stay.

As I head out my heart is heavy 

Yet my wallet is light 

To exit such a magical place 

Is always such a plight.

For the craft store is where

My soul sings with the creative air.

Oh! The joys of a craft store.