For those of us following an inspired path, we’ve come up against naysayers, Debbie Downers, and “haters.” I’ve learned that this is all about wounding in THEM and has nothing to do with me. But, in my younger years, I didn’t know this and was often left feeling hurt and rejected. This poem was inspired by the ones who didn’t understand me. I thank them for unknowingly becoming some of my greatest teachers.
Didn’t she go to college?
Yeah, came from a good family too.
Then why did she live in the projects?
Her poor parents. She’s so stupid.
Didn’t he cheat on her?
Yeah, and abuses her too.
Why the hell does she stay with him?
No backbone. She’s so stupid.
Didn’t she take him back?
Yeah, and he put her in debt all over again.
Why would she do that to herself?
Or her child…She’s so stupid.
Didn’t they promise her a pay raise?
Yeah, for over a year they dangled that carrot.
Why the hell doesn’t she leave?
What a doormat! She’s so stupid.
Didn’t she have a good job?
Yeah, at a big company too.
Why would she leave without a job to go to?
Such a dreamer. She’s so stupid.
Did you hear she started a podcast?
Yeah, with zero experience.
Who the hell does she think she is?
It’s embarrassing. She’s so stupid.
Did you hear she had an essay published?
Yeah, I read it.
I wonder why she never wrote before?
I always knew she was talented. She’s not stupid.
Did you see her on the cover of that online magazine?
Yeah, she looks great.
Did you know we’ve been friends for years?
I didn’t know that. She’s so cool.
Did you hear so and so is trying to write a novel?
Yeah, so ridiculous.
Since when does an accountant write fiction?
It’s going to bomb. He’s so stupid.
Oh Carol… this made me pause, reflect and remember. The story lines are most likely so similar for so many of us.
The stories that we grow up with are the trajectory of the lives we create. Here is to your BRILLIANCE!
Thanks so much, Carolyn. Oh yes-all those past stories have provided quite a cornucopia of good writing material. 😉 Thank you again for reading my poem and for taking the time to comment–so appreciated!
Wow, Carol. Fantastic lines…
Honestly felt like I was reading about me.
Every line moved me and love that you identified who the real stupid is in the end
Thank you for this one. It’s empowering to me as well
Thank you so much for sharing this.
Great ink!
So, SO glad it resonated for you, Paula. It’s fascinating to me that so many people can relate (because at these moments in my life I felt so utterly alone). We’re all one! Carol xo
And so it goes…. This was a courageous, beautiful piece, Carol. You’ve done such a great job capturing the world’s petty dialogue, that I bet you would also do tremendous job tackling our own inner monologue (which can be equally brutal)… Let me know if you ever write that piece! xooxox
Thanks so much, Kimberly. Oh the inner monologue comes out quite a bit in my writing (and posts). You’re right–she can be quite brutal. But then there are the other kinder, gentler and more patient voices. I’m learning to pay closer attention to those. 🙂