I attended a workshop for my writers’ group this past Saturday. Our first exercise was to write a poem. We had just about 15 minutes to come up with something and write. One of the things the author taught us was to follow the rules of the type of poem we were writing. I had two problems: I don’t know the rules; and I don’t always follow the rules that I do know – especially in writing. I thought I would share what I wrote. Critiques are welcome.

12.3 miles,

57 steps,

4 digit code,

8 by 8 cubicle,

10 oz styrofoam cup,

contents at 180 degrees.

Routine

He sits and stares past a pile of papers on his desk, to a yellowing map of the U.S. Interstate system. Points of interest marked with Post-It Notes.

On this second anniversary of my first blog post…

This date reminds me.

The electronics aisle in Target reminds me.

The sign at Luther’s Barbecue reminds me.

The birds in the trees at Kroger remind me.

The loud intercom at Office Depot reminds me.

The parking lots at Best Buy, Barnes and Noble, and Applebee’s remind me.

Books and movies remind me.

Past writings remind me.

I am reminded in my waking and in my lying down to sleep, and in my dreams as well.

Signs on my drive to work remind me.

Songs on the radio and on my iPod remind me.

I am reminded by sights, sounds, smells, and tastes.

Reminders bring both joy and tears.

But can I truly say that I am reminded?

Does a thought have to be absent first, before remembrance can occur?

If so, I’m not sure that I am reminded at all, because you are always there – not just in the back of my mind, but as the constant companion and participant in all my thoughts.

And I imagine that for which I have no memory. So even in new situations you are present.

I cannot forget. And I have no desire to.