This first Friday in June is time for another Inklings challenge. I am sitting outside on my back deck hoping something will come to me soon. Heidi challenged us with this:
Watch a few videos from the WE DO NOT CARE CLUB on Instagram or other platform. https://www.instagram.com/justbeingmelani/?hl=en Read some comments. Die laughing (or crying).
Write a poem that lists or explains some things that you as a woman no longer care ‘bout for whatever reason. It does not have to be because of peri/menopause. Try to replicate Melani’s deadpan delivery, if that’s possible in a poem. TWIST: include something that you DO care about, that requires you to make space by jettisoning some of the other stuff.
Mary Lee used a conversational tone that I like, so I borrowed her format to write mine.
While we’re sitting here, let me explain
For starters, I don’t care to wear mascara anymore,
no more black goop that smears
every time I cry
which is a lot these days. I care too much sometimes
and my eyes show it.Just so you know, I care about plants,
but I don’t care
to bend over in the heat
to pull out the weeds,
so you may not think I care
until the air cools
(which by the way the forecast looks
won’t be until October).
Deal with it.Here’s the thing, I care about family first,
so I may not answer your call or text
if I’m with my mom, husband, kids,
or grandkids. It’s not that I don’t care
about you, I do.
I’ll get back to you
soon enough.And while we’re on the subject,
you should know
that I care about the white cat at my feet
and the echo of a red cardinal
in the fruit tree. I want this beautiful space
I live in
to last longer.Won’t you sit with me
and write your truth, too?
I would love to know if you accept the invitation to write to this prompt. Leave a comment, if you care (dare).
Be sure to check out Linda’s and Heidi’s “We Do Not Care Club” poems.
Reflections on the Teche 