Undeclared College Major
Discussing broader options that young women have today,
One of my female classmates had a startling thing to say,
About how in our time some college women’s foremost plan—
Encouraged by their mothers—was to find themselves a man.
Kitchen Comfort
He asked her if his help was needed,
Clearly the right way to go,
And then his private prayer succeeded
When she answered him with “no!”
Synergy
I devote all I can do,
You bestow what your skills bring,
And the tandem of we two,
Might achieve most anything.
What Patience?
Don’t you love—when on hold, or in line—
You are constantly hearing a voice,
Saying cheerfully thanks for your patience,
As if you had some kind of a choice?
Russel Winick started writing poetry after ending a long legal career. He resides in Naperville, Illinois.
Thanks. Amusing! Kitchen Comfort could not be more correct…
Thank you Golan. I had a hunch that this was a fairly widespread phenomenon.
Four delightful little squibs! They make their points with precision and grace.
About the first one — ever since higher learning became co-educational, finding an appropriate husband was undeniably a major motivation for female students. This was certainly the case when a college education was rare, and college graduates were a kind of elite with access to careers that few others enjoyed. So naturally many young women saw college as the prime hunting ground for landing an upscale and affluent mate.
Thank you, Professor, for your always enlightening and appreciated feedback.
Clever and wise, as usual. Guess you read my husband’s mind in “Kitchen Comfort”.
Thank you jd. Your husband has plenty of company in this regard!
So much is said with so few words. Each one is a stand-alone gem as usual with your succinct sayings. I loved them all but was especially impressed with the last one about being on hold and the kind voice saying “thank you for your patience” as if we had a choice.
Yes Sir, those messages seem to annoy everybody! Thanks for your kind words.
For me Russel, the message in Synergy is a really good one. I enjoyed all four poems very much.
Thank you very much Norma. I’m particularly glad that you enjoyed the message in Synergy, as that poem is quite meaningful to me as well.
Seriously, Russel, college is the best time for finding a mate, whether one is male or female. This is the last time in life shared by numerous young singles with a common experience and values acquired in education. After arriving at any workplace, there are always hard-to-answer individual questions about each co-worker’s availability and romantic pre-history. I am charmed by colleges where Commencement afternoon is entirely occupied by all the weddings the college chapel can schedule.
Makes sense, Margaret. I wasn’t aware of it being “a thing” at my small liberal arts college, but the classmate who told this story went to a huge state school, which apparently was different. In any event, I missed that boat. One of many. Thanks as always!
I think the oldest tradition of Commencement afternoon and “June week” weddings may come from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, where graduates would be ordered to sea within days of being commissioned. I have witnessed it currently at small Catholic colleges such as Thomas Aquinas, where locals make a seasonal business of providing space and services for receptions.
Interesting, Margaret. My alma mater, Grinnell College in Iowa, had no such tradition. Just many wonderful women who were far beyond me in those days!
You might consider, Russel, changing your last name to Poignant. All four are destined for the Indelible Annals.
Thank you Sir — that’s very kind.
You might consider, Russel, changing your last name to Poignant. All four of these are destined for the Indelible Annals.
Much obliged, Sir.
Great stuff, Russel. I must say, though, the family member who enjoys and is best around the kitchen, is my son.
I wonder where he gets it from!
Thank you Paul — your son sounds like quite a blessing!
The anapests of “What Patience?” provide a nice metrical variant. That poem, along with the first two, are wonderful examples of light yet deep humor found in the happenings of everyday life, instantly recognizable to any reader.
I don’t know how valid the “MRS” degree is anymore, with women far outnumbering men in college now. Still, its historic truth (even in my day) strikes a chord.
Thank you Adam. There is so much to capture in everyday life (and human nature), and it’s unparalleled fun to try to do so in formal verse.
All of these are enjoyable reading, Russell; my fave is “What Patience?” Finding humor in life’s frustrations is a great gift, which you share with great skill. Thanks for the fun reads!
Thank you Jan. My wife and I were in an enormous line at an airport, with that annoying message played every few minutes, so I had quite an opportunity, unfortunately, to work on the poem. I’m glad that you liked it and the others. Thanks for writing.