My mind is quiet when all the bills are paid
Twist the button two clicks
Blow air between your lips to spread the fire
Cook 1 large egg, hard boiled then add a pinch of salt
Remember to turn off the range
My hands are delicate when I first get out the bath
Read a magazine intended for women
Highlight words whose definitions escape you
Rush the beads of water down each calf
Add talcum powder between your thighs
My reputation is neat when I speak small words
Change the volume of your voice
Smile while complimenting the host’s girlfriend
Laugh when you have nothing at all to say
Always be the first person to leave
Self sabotage a Tuesday and fall from chaos
A day is better spent without an agenda
Squash a dutiful insect
Suck on a lemon for lunch
Make friends with a butterfly and call it by your first name
Let fatigue turn into wonder faster than ever before
Listen as twigs snap gently beneath your step
Char Lee Lorraine is a writer, performer, and violence counselor. Her writing and performance work has been produced at The Annoyance and The Second City’s DeMaat Theatre. With a passion for the arts and social work, she bridges the gap in individual counseling by applying trauma informed based practices with artistic healing methods. As an advocate/artist, her goal is to support survivors in regaining authority of their voices through writing.
