In final form it is a cube,

Constructed of rugged pressed paper

Adhered by glue to another like paper—

Although this one is fashioned into a waveform

Commonly referred to as corrugated,

Similar to a washboard but quite different in function.

This corrugated paper is adhered by glue

To the first durable piece of paper

As noted above.

These are subsequently adhered

To another paper similar to the first,

Thus forming a sandwich with a corrugated center.

This is shaped into a rectangular plane.

The plane is folded into four equal sections

Then the two ends are glued together.

Slits are cut to form flaps:

Two opposing flaps are folded inward,

Then the cube is rotated ninety degrees

And the remaining flaps are folded towards each other.

A length of tape, sticky side down,

Is placed across the resulting seam.

This forms the bottom of the cube,

Which is now variously referred to as a box

Or a shipping container.

One flips it over and puts things into it.

Mindful people reuse it.

It can be recycled.

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Oh, man, a box!

What I haven’t done with a box!

I’ve used them to move all over the country.

Why, this one box accompanied me on ten moves!

By the time I had to part with it—what a sad day!—

It was more tape than cardboard!

I had used it for records,

Books,

Dishes,

Spices,

Socks,

Winter gear,

And finally vermiculture.

Boxes are awesome!

You can even use them as tables

Or for closet storage

Or to keep art supplies.

Boxes!

Never let anyone tell you that they’re just square.