–The writing prompt was to write a poem about Tupperware®.–
In 1946, Chemist Earl Silas Tupper founded Tupperware®. The iconic “Wonderlier” plastic bowl with an airtight seal brought people together. With the help of Brownie Wise, who created the Tupperware Party, targeting married suburban housewives, they created an empire and developed a new and productive way of selling products described as featherweight, pliable, and modern. A recent inventory of my home showed that I still have at least 19 different items (some in sets) of Tupperware® products. Trust me, they last.
Since then, many different types of bowls, cups, and storage containers have been sold by other companies and purchased by me. Over time, those newer products break or get lost, but why does one item seem to outlast all the others?
Lids
sung to the tune of “Kids” – from Bye, Bye, Birdie
adapted by Harvey Heilbrun ©2024
Lids, made by Rubbermaid and Tupperware
Lids, made by Super Saver and who knows where
Lids, they are always needed, so your food won’t spill
Big ones, small ones, even long ones
Seal tight, you’re always gonna’ need them.
Lids, every make and model that fits the bill
Bowls, different sizes, it makes me ill
When you lose or break those new lids,
Try to purchase a spare
Amazon just doesn’t care
Lids left didn’t fit on any new bowls I had
New lids, who can figure out why they’re made so bad
Lids came with every Tupperware, were a perfect match
Now other bowls that look the same
Can’t use them. And while I’m on the subject
I keep all the good lids even when the bowl’s not there
Lids, fill my drawers, I just have too much to spare
Why can’t it be like old days
Tupperware was the only kind
Have a party and show it
Burp the lid, and you know it
They will all last a long, long time.
