Sunday, December 10, 2006

A poem

As you all probably know, I'm not much of a poet. But I was inspired to write this after two events occurred yesterday. One, I heard a teacher give this exercise to a group of teens at an event I covered for the Globe. The exercise: write a poem telling someone how to do something. Two, a friend announced she was pregnant (and another friend recently announced she was trying to get pregnant).

Here goes.

How to congratulate a friend on her pregnancy
Shriek, "Oh my God, I'm so happy for you!" and mean it
all the while tramping down thoughts
of, I guess I should've appreciated more
the last time we got drunk and talked until 2
about things that had nothing to do with breast feeding or poo.
Say, "You guys will be the best parents!" and mean it
all the while not thinking
I feel lonely already, not initiated into the varicose vein club
Whisper, "That's so amazing," as you touch her tummy, and mean it
all the while refusing to acknowledge the voice in your head screaming,
Why don't you want to do this? Will you ever
And the other voice screaming, Why should I?
Everyone else is doing it doesn't seem a meaningful enough reason. Best Blogger Tips

5 comments:

Idiot Cook said...

Oh. My. God. You have captured my emotions so perfectly and so eloquently. I spent 30 pages writing about this (don't believe me? Take a peek at my large group submission posted on Lesley) and you have captured everything I was trying to say in fewer lines and BETTER lines.

I'm with you, Bug.

Writer Bug said...

I'm so glad I struck a cord, FC. We'll have to chat in January about this! And I hope you're feeling better!! Would you mind if I downloaded your MS and read it?

Idiot Cook said...

Absolutely! Feel free to download, but I'll warn you--it's long AND rough, so don't feel obligated, (but I welcome your feedback and value your opinion!).

The idea has been swirling in my head for a long time, and I feel I'm starting to get my thoughts down...but there's so much more I want and need to say. Ah, well. It's a start. I'm really looking forward to the workshop for feedback (both from our peers and my advisor) on this one.

January said...

Funny, I read your response to FC as "We'll have to chat to January" instead of in January.

I always knew you had the poetry bug in you. Can't wait to read more of your poetic side.

And, I may have to borrow your exercise--I need something to get me started again.

Anonymous said...

I agree with your conclusion and the overall thrust of your poem.

By the way, Fat Charlatan sent me over to enjoy this poem.