Join the Two Writing Teachers blog for Tuesdays Slice of Life Challenge.
Saffron roses I bought for myself. They make me happy!
This weekend while I was laid up by my tailbone injury, I messaged Clare that I wouldn’t make it to the Renegade Writers meeting. Unless…maybe we could Google Hang-out. The Google Hang-out didn’t quite work as planned, but she called and Debra gave me the prompts. I wrote, then they called back when they were sharing and passed the phone around the table. Almost like being there. I was able to write and share and hear everyone else’s writing. This group is not a critique group. One person leads with prompts. When we share, we thank the writer with no comments.
The last writing prompt of the day was to write down 5 situations in which you feel vulnerable. You meet a stranger. Write about your encounter with the stranger. Thanks, Renegade Writers for letting me join in from my sofa.
Face to Face
When you look at my face,
do you see
confidence
or fear,
wisdom
or wounded,
beauty
or age?I place my order–
tall vanilla latte
no fat
Do you know how to spell
my name?
Can you see my pain?I smile.
Say, “Thank you. Have a nice day.”
Lift my voice a few octaves
to sound cheery.I could be your friend.
The coffee warms my hand.
You sprinkled cinnamon on top.
How did you know?The circles of our lives crossed
for a minute, maybe two.
We are no longer strangers.
You know my name.
I know yours.–Margaret Simon
Reflections on the Teche 
Often I think about what you share so clearly in this poem, Margaret, especially now when I feel that the inner me exposed to the world. A perfect stranger to focus on as well.
Bonnie
I am beginning to see the value in being open to the world.
I love your poetry. It say so much about your thinking and your way of life. I know your name too. 🙂
I love this poem. It connects to strongly to me and my vulnerabilities. Thank you and your Renegade Writers for forwarding this prompt. I suspect it will be used again!
Sounds like a great group! And beautiful poetry, too, Margaret.
This is beautiful, Margaret. I have a lot of questions about the narrator and she resonates with me.
Your writing group is interesting – I love the idea of just sharing and not critiquing. Very interesting.
Ah, that cinnamon was a lovely touch.
I think all this poetry is the silver lining to your injury, Margaret. I love these last lines:
We are no longer strangers.
You know my name.
I know yours.
Reblogged this on Clare L. Martin and commented:
From Margaret Simon about last Saturday’s Renegade Writers session.