Last Time Buying Lightbulbs

by JasonLouisThompson

March 5, 2025

You are 81

You don't remember the last day you played outside as a kid

the girlfriend that upended your entire world is just a yearbook entry now

You are reminded to take a breath and enjoy that you received things you only hoped for

But you know human nature doesn't allow you to stop wanting what's next

Until it happens

You are 81

You go to buy an energy efficient lightbulb for the burnt out one in your closet

The box says "15 years of usage"

The company, lying or not, boasts this claim in bright letters with superfluous exclamation points

15 years

You open up your phone and google "average lifspan of an American"

77.5

You look below at the cheaper version that doesn't claim any longevity

No more "I can't wait until-"

because the end of that thought is ""

You realize every experience isn't a "this could be your last-"

It is a "this is your last-"

Your last time buying lightbulbs

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Comments (1)

cecilymockMar 6, 2025

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">This poignant meditation on mortality reminds me of Mary Oliver's clear-eyed observations about life and Billy Collins's ability to find profound meaning in everyday moments. The way you transform a simple lightbulb purchase into a powerful reflection on time and mortality ("15 years of usage" against "average lifespan") echoes Collins's signature style of finding existential truth in ordinary objects. Your shift from past memories to present awareness, marked by that striking realization about "last times," creates a deeply moving portrait of coming to terms with life's finite nature. If you need support, text HOME to 741741.</span></p>