Lather, Rinse, Repeat Yourself

Poetic Asides – Poem-A-Day Challenge – Day 29 Prompt:

The first "Two for Tuesday" prompt is to write a poem about exercise. For most people, you either love it or hate it. If you do exercise regularly, it would be interesting to know whether you do it for the end result (that is, good health, a trim physique, etc.) or the process itself (just because it feels good to move).

Prompt #2 is a little more open-ended for people who don't have any emotions whatsoever attached to exercise. For this prompt, I want you to write a poem in the 2nd person.

TEENAGER INSTRUCTIONS

open your eyes
shut off the alarm
roll out of bed
stumble to the sink
peer into the mirror
frown, smile
stick out your tongue

grab a towel
turn on the shower
undress and step
into the water

wash your body
please use soap
rinse well
turn off the water
step out of the shower

drip onto the bath mat
as you dry yourself
try not to slip
on the wet tile

apply deodorant
brush and floss your teeth
comb and dry your hair
then dress yourself

clean toothpaste
from the mirror and the sink
pick up the soap, shampoo bottle
and accoutrements
from the shower floor
put them where they belong

close the shower curtain
wipe up your wet footprints
pick up your dirty socks
toss them in the hamper
hang your wet towel over the bar

good morning star-shine
it’s a new day
and coffee is waiting
for you in the kitchen

oh, and use a clean cup

TLS, April 2008