Today’s episode has a different mood. I recorded it late at night in a more contemplative space. I share with you two poems I’ve written in the last few years. The first called “new yarn” is a love letter to motherhood and to the theater. The second one “pretty” talks about how as women we can both crave and feel trapped by attention about our looks. I hope you find meaning in them, and perhaps they inspire you to write a poem yourself today! I attached the text below.

Until next time, take good care.~~~~~~~~~New yarn

Now a motherI have been unraveled and knit back together My child's sweet essenceIn every strandI cannot undo this mother I have become(Nor would I want to)

And with this new yarnWhere our beating hearts combineI stitch together stories on stage I create wife and mother again and againI cannot help but lovethese families I create For my child's beating heartIs woven into their being

My heart stretches until it contains this tooA new husband A new childA new motherThey all live in a safe sheltered place within me

So my arms stretch widermy heart beats strongerAnd my family grows largerAs I give birth to each new story

PrettyPlease do not tell me I am prettyAs much as I may want to hear itAs much as you want to see me smile and blush And feel completeIt will not lastIt is a glass of salt water in the desert

Please do not tell me I am prettyFor I will no longer chase the fantasy which will never complete meAnd the thrill I feelWhen you say that wordMakes me run faster To catch its ghost

Do not tell meI am prettyFor I am wiseAnd fierceAnd wholeDo not tie me in pretty chains