Not Today
Just Say No
An ode to those who want to say no, but find plucking up courage tricky.
My poem’s an ode to everyone who wants to say no when too much is asked of them but usually, find themselves saying yes. The truth be known, most requesters of our time and energy don’t expect as much of us as we imagine. We torment ourselves, believing rejection is close by if we don’t please people. Nonetheless, if we pluck up the nerve to turn down those appeals we don’t wish to fulfill, self-esteem increases. We are then free to spend time wisely in a guilt-free fashion.
Of course, there are occasions when we want to say yes, and doing so is a terrific way to assist others, forge friendships, and give back to the world. This poem, though, is concerned with being authentic enough, and brave enough, to speak out when we need time to ourselves.
Not Today
Thumping, my heart reaches for the earth
Who opens her mouth wide,
A gaping hole, ready to receive
Yet, despite red cheeks and a terrified expression
A courageous spine-breath rises
And I weave a landslide
Of mottled nerve inside
Plucking confidence from terror
Of rejection’s snare
I become aware of your eyes
Expectantly watching
Your ears, listening with hope
But I remain braver
Than last time,
When I said “yes”
And delving into my resolve
Do not waver
From staunch determination
Or dissolve imaginary confidence
But blurt out “no!”
“I’m unable today,”
Then you sigh and walk away.
.