I stood in front of the bank teller and for whatever reason I said, “This is the poetry book I’ve been reading as I waited.”
“Oh, I don’t like reading,” he said. “I really don’t read books at all, I don’t like them. I can’t just sit there and read like some people.”
I was undaunted. “That’s why poetry is perfect for you. Poems are short, without a long term commitment. Pick up the book, find a short poem, read, enjoy and you’re done.”
He looked at me like I was slightly crazy which would indeed be an accurate description.
“I only know one poem”, he said, “and I only know part of it.”
He cleared his throat.
“Roses are red, violets are blue…. and that’s all I know.”
I laughed and said, “This is the first poem I ever learned…
I never saw a purple cow
I never hope to be one
But I will tell you anyhow
I’d rather see one than be one.”
I smiled, feeling quite smug.
“Ok,” he said, “Tell me a poem and I will complete your transaction.”
“You want me to write a poem right here and now, in order to get my withdrawal?”
He nodded and I laughed.
Gauntless thrown I squinted my eyes and said, “How about haiku?”
He had no idea what I was talking about so I put my hand in the air, dramatically, so I could count out syllables.
“Give me my cash please
How much may I have today?
Autumn afternoon….”
I used the seasonal final line in case this young gentlemen who told me he knew nothing about poetry might have instantly become a traditionalist.
“That was a poem?” he asked.
I smiled.
He gave me my cash.
I had a smile on my face for the rest of the day, a reward for being 100% my quirky self and not for a moment thinking I should act, think or behave at all differently.
This is being bold and at the same time, simply being.
Simple, rich perfection.
=====
Julie Jordan Scott is a writer, creative life coach, speaker, performance poet, Mommy and mixed-media artist whose Writing Camps and Writing Playgrounds permanently transform people's creative lives. Watch for the announcement of new programs coming Fall and Winter, 2014 and beyond.
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© 2014
This post is a part of the ongoing series for 31 Days challenge. I will be writing 31 blog stories about bold choices and using a bold voice...I am woefully behind, again. I'm still devoted, though, and still writing!
If you would like to read all my posts from the beginning of the challenge, simply visit here, at 31 Days of Bold Stories, Voices and Choces
The question is making sure to carve out the time and to document it all in a way you'll enjoy reading about bold choices in a most authentic, real-me voice.
I'm grateful you are reading.
