If only I had been born Catholic
a Saint for every occasion
Saint Anthony would have been on speed-dial
since I was always losing things
I was well known for it—that and
forgetting what I was going to the shop for
but now I have acquired the habit
of carrying a little black notebook sadly
not for the phone numbers of paramours
but that I might return from the shops
with what I went for, amongst other things
and when, as a vicarious observer
of the sainted folks, I heard of
Saint Jude, Patron Saint of Lost Causes
I had a sneaking affection for him
I bet he would know how
to help a serial forgetter of shopping.
© Andrew Wilson, 2026
Over at dVerse Poets Pub, Björn Rudberg (brudberg) in Uncategorized, invites us to submit a poem of our choice for Open Link Night which will also be live on Saturday 20th 10 AM on New York time…
Those saints are like apps! I have to write everything down too. My blog has been helpful with memory gaps. It’s all there somewhere since 2006.
I would also like a saint or someone as I am a serial forgetter! Especially when I need things like, toilet paper, onion, a tomato. whatever.
Shopping list stuck on the fridge. Do you do click and collect, or shop online?
I too shall make a plea to the Saint of forgetfulness! I will have to try carrying around a little black book. I loved the light heartedness of this poem and the Saint comparisons…an adorable poem indeed!! 💜
Your utility saints mad me smile, Andrew. I could do with both Saint Anthony and Saint Jude. I have several notebooks, folders on my phone, Kindle and laptop but, as you can see, I am a lost cause.