Formulas of similar standards guide their aim,
Private labels borrow from big brands‘ brews.
Stocked side by side, so subtly the same
Retailers don their distinct disguise,
Stocked side by side, so sublty the same.
Even as whispers of quality occasionally arise.
Private labels match or surpass inferiority’s claim,
Generic gems rival branded royalty’s crowns.
In aisles, it’s substance over brand’s fame.
We pay for the value, not the brand’s frame,
Price tags reflect private label value; substance over style.
In each choice, value becomes our aim.
Formulas of similar standards guide their aim,
Retailers don their distinct disguise.
Private labels match or surpass inferiority’s claim,
We pay for the value, not the brand’s frame.
Uncommon Topics
Poets are often drawn to heartbreak, nature, or the mysteries of existence; but sometimes the overlooked stuff, like store-brand cereal or off-label shampoo, deserves a verse or two.
“Private Label” explores generic products using the looping structure of a pantoum. The repetition in the form reflects the visual sameness on the shelf; products sit side by side, nearly identical, yet still competing for attention. It is a poem about value, perception, and the quiet poetry of packaging.
Your Turn:
I enjoy writing about topics that do not usually get poetic treatment. If love poems are the fancy imports, this one is the reliable house brand; and I am fine with that. This writing challenge, however is to find an unusual topic to be the main subject of your next poem.
- Choose something ordinary that people usually overlook.
- Ask yourself what doesn’t normally get written about in poems.
- Consider mixing serious themes with silly or surprising subjects.
Feel free to share your poem in the comments below. Inspire us with the unusual.
