Ask me, ask me again
just so I can hear the way
your teeth wrap around
the question like a belt
drawing it in, tucking it in.
Me?
I’m just wandering around
this world waiting for strangers
to ask me my name.
Update: Got accepted into the writer’s workshop with a $2000 scholarship. I’ll use the word ‘ecstatic’ here, but it’s not the right word. The right word is hiding under a desk somewhere, screaming.
mywordpool 
what’s your name?
This made me smile 😉 Natalie!
This made me smile is a unique name; i like it, Natalie (and Natalie too 🙂
Aw, thank you! And thanks for reading!
Oh wow, congratulations Natalie!
Not sure quite how to interpret your under-deskness, but…
Let the fear go
Let excitement grow
Be positive, you know
It’s where you want to go.
Thank you so much! And no worries, I’m not scared or nervous at all – just very, very inexpressibly excited! 🙂
Forgot to comment on your poem, in all the excitement!
Your poems lately are all so beautiful, soft, delicious. Like sun-filled syrup and cool peach on a warm summer’s day. Best enjoyed slowly, savouring, but always wanting more.
That’s the most poetic comment I’ve ever read 🙂 Wow!
Congratulations, Natalie. I think you are an excellent poet already.
Joanna, you are too nice to me 🙂 Thank you!!
Natalie,
To say “the right word is hiding under the desk somewhere, screaming” is of course just the perfect expression- “ecstatic” raised to the nth degree.
That workshop is lucky to have you.
Very cool.
Tom
Thank you so much, Tom! 🙂 I’m ready to be re-inspired – hopefully this workshop will help me to think of writing in new ways.
Woo Hoo! I’m glad to hear that they could see the greatness in you and your work. Things are right with the word.
And I think that being asked my name is a lovely experience. I shall be reminded to do this more often.
Alice
Alice, you’re the best! 🙂 Your support has always driven me on, just knowing that at least one person is out there listening. I can’t thank you enough.
And I agree! Names are so important, and asking for them is so intimate. This is my way of reminding myself to approach strangers sometimes. They might just be the best people.
Natalie
Howdy Natalie,
I’m happy that you reply when I leave a note. This makes a wonderful conversation and relationship. Thank you.
I’m certain there are many more of us out here reading what your write. I’m only one of the “noisy” ones. I’m grateful to know that you find encouragement from my mutterings.:-)
Yes. Every important person in my life was a stranger before met. Even my mother.
The more “howdies”, the more friends.
Your friend,
Alice
The exchange between writer and reader is so important. What goes on beneath each poem is perhaps my favorite part of the process 🙂
Yes. The encouragement I get from you is astounding. I remind myself everyday how lucky I am to be having these conversations.
“Every important person in my life was a stranger.” Such a simple, honest, naked statement.
And how we have come to love these strangers.
Thanks, always,
Natalie
Natalie,
Yes. The same, my friend.
Alice
A big congratulations to you! You well deserve the acceptance and scholarship. Just remember which drawer of that desk holds the paper, and to have plenty of pens with you as you write under there!
But of course! 😀 Thank you so much!