I Don’t Know
With questions some adults are asked
Why do they try to keep it masked—
Like they’re afraid to let it show—
That they should answer: “I don’t know”?
The Thought Was Good
We get exotic foods and spices
_As well-thought-out gifts,
From folks who figure something different
_Will provide nice lifts.
But usually such items come to
_Much more modest fates,
When they get tossed out well beyond
_Their expiration dates.
Russel Winick started writing poetry after ending a long legal career. He resides in Naperville, Illinois.
You have so many words of wisdom, Russel! Perhaps you’re the new Benjamin Franklin.
That’s a riot, Cynthia! But beyond just the massive wisdom gap, Ben was a serial womanizer, if I remember correctly. And the fact that I’m still alive is proof I am not! Thanks for the hearty laugh!
I thought the test for out-of-date food was whether the last guest you served it to ended up in hospital.
Not in my house. My wife is always checking those expiration dates, especially with company coming. Hence this poem. Thanks for the laugh, Morrison.
Your tidbits of wisdom, Russel, are always clever.
Thanks jd, you’re very kind.
Both resonate, Russel. I’m currently doing an online course on online teaching, and I’m about the only person who will ask for clarification. People have a fear of admitting they don’t know something.
Your second piece reminded me of when my father was starting to decline in health. Our supermarket, Tesco, occasionally had ‘exotic’ items on trial, and some of these were in my dad’s freezer and well expired. As I recall, one evening we dined on kangaroo burgers, and on another on American buffalo (bison) steaks.
Thanks for sparking the old grey cells, and thanks Evan for such a great picture.
Thanks Paul — I’m glad the poems resonated. Tell me — how do kangaroo burgers taste?
As I recall, they were a cross between chicken and lamb.
Russel
I’m laughing out loud at these witty epigrams. Re: “I don’t know.” Of course, everyone now simply stops all conversation, takes out their cell phones, and “googles it”–whatever the question is!
Re: expiration dates. I have a real problem with “inventory control” of canned goods. I tend to be entranced by the words “on sale.” So I’ll buy, let’s say, a half- dozen cans of a basic staple like tomato sauce. These cans get shoved to the back of the pantry shelf. Then, three years somehow fly by!
Most sincerely
Mary Jane
Thanks Mary Jane. I think you’re right on all counts regarding what happens nowadays.
When I see your name on SCP poems, I immediately anticipate reading entertaining wisdom. Like some other commenters regarding Benjamin Franklin, perhaps you should publish “Russel’s Rich Almanack.”
I don’t see a book in my future, Roy, but thanks nonetheless for your kind words!
We’re in the exotic food gift season, Russel. Maybe your poem will provide a useful warning. I’ll readily admit that most expired exotic items in my pantry were bought by me or my husband because they were on sale at the exotic markets we like to visit occasionally. Acquiring such fancy fare feels like a highly successful hunting trip. We need to do our creative meal planning more quickly!
I completely agree, Margaret. That happens here too. Thanks!
I always admire how your poems derive insight from the simplest, smallest occurrences. I love the brutal honesty of “I Don’t Know,” and “The Thought Was Good” was clearly inspired by a real occurrence — both poems presenting scenes instantly recognizable to anyone (and therefore accessible).
Thank you Adam — this means a lot, because relatability and accessibility are two things that I strive for most.
You always pack a lot into a limited number of words. I will take that lesson with me to work today, but I’m still unlikely to openly admit when I don’t know something even though it’s a frequent occurrence.
Thank you Warren. I appreciate your kind words, and am glad that you found the subject relatable. It applies to me too sometimes!
Thank you Warren, for your kind words. Im glad that you found the poem to be relatable. I have the same problem as well.
Russel, I always enjoy your poems!
Hi Marguerite — I’m sorry for this late reply. I just found several SCP emails in my “junk” folder for some reason, including your comment. Thank you for your kind words — they are always greatly appreciated!