Poetry from A to Z *
(* NaPoWriMo + Blogging from A to Z Challenge)
I is for… Insensitive
~ by Laurel Regan
i visited the bakery today
searching for
a special cake
for a special someone
on a special birthday
and there it was:
vanilla sponge layered with
mouthwatering bavarian cream
luscious strawberries
airy whipped cream
perfection.
but then
“tsk, tsk,” said a customer
in (only half-joking) reproof
with a disapproving look
from
the cake
to my fat body
and back again.
“tsk, tsk.”
i rushed to offer
assurances
explanations
reasons
“it’s for my husband’s birthday,” i blurted
almost adding “his 60th”
(as extra justification)
and actually inquiring,
“do you think this will feed ten people?”
(for good measure)
as if it was any of his business
why or where or with whom
this cake would be eaten
“well, ok then,” begrudgingly
“i guess you’re allowed.”
maybe he thought he was being funny
but i didn’t know what i was supposed to say:
thank you for understanding?
thank you for letting me off the hook?
thank you for your permission?
so i said nothing
just laughed a little, embarrassed
fought to stifle guilt, shame
paid for my cake
left the store
got in the car
and headed home
not sure whether my mounting feelings of anger
were more at him
or with myself
Photo Friday: Buildings
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