Hey there, readers!
It has been thoroughly wonderful sharing all my high school poetry with you. And the fun doesn’t stop here.
For this series of Throwback Thursday, I’d like to continue the poetry theme – but this time, recount the three poems that won me the Senior Poetry Contest.
Hang on a sec, there, tiger – before you get your expectations all high in the trees, note that I’m pretty sure there was only one criterion for succeeding in the poetry contest: it had to rhyme.
Because these were performed out-loud, free verse was at a distinct disadvantage. That is the only fact to which I can attribute my win.
But nonetheless, venturing into these archives of my life has certainly been a fun little experience for me. I hope it has been for you, too.
Here was the first poem submitted into the Senior Poetry Contest:
While other women share the bliss
Of means to avoid loneliness…
I shift my weight, and bite my nails,
And watch their sensual exhales.
I have no gift, and know not how
To woo a man, and lift his brow.
And so… I talk. And talk some more,
Until his very ear is sore.
They say a woman ought to know
The proper way to give a show.
She bats her eyes, and parts her lips,
And when she walks, she sways her hips.
It all seems very easy, see –
To anyone who isn’t me.
I have no eyelashes to bat,
And… let’s be frank. I like to chat.
And so I sit, and watch in awe,
And on my fingernails I gnaw…
As every other girl on Earth
Let’s men determine what she’s worth.
Well bring it on, Saint Valentine!
If this is it, then I resign.
I need no male to gawk at me.
Those crazy girls need therapy.
So keep your romance, Nicholas Sparks
And Mr. Hottie’s suave remarks…
If boys don’t like me, it’s their loss.
I’m happy with my Hagan Daas.
And so, the next time a handsome guy
Approaches me, then I’ll reply,
“Oh I’m so sorry, but I’m already late.
My nails and I have got a date.”
Thank you, Wisconsin!
The Nutshell Version 