Angie Braaten is our host at http://www.ethicalela.com today for the final day of this month’s Open Write. She encourages us to write a poem about what we would like to be when we grow up. You can read her full prompt here.
Secret Badge
when I grow up
I want to be a
traveling food critic
a descriptive writer
of all things edible….
….(or not)…..
all expenses paid
to go out into the world
and live it up
like a spy on a secret mission
with an official foodie badge
that I keep covered
until the end of the meal….
….(or forever)……
unless I want immediate
preferential seating
or my glass runs dry
or I get bad service
then I whip it out
like some veiled threat
of a viral review
that might shut the place down
….(or something)……
oh and a hotel critic too
I want to be one
who jumps on beds
to test the comfort
rolls around in the sheets
and fills the bathtub to overflowing
with expensive bubble bath
with little flecks of real gold dust
and eats all the snacks
that cost twelve dollars each
for free
in those presidential suites
with corner windows
on the top floor
one who shows my badge
at checkout
and I want an airplane badge, too
so I can cut the line at security
and go in my own private room
where the rest of everyone
all tired-legged and eyeing my
complimentary
plate of sugared grapes and chocolates
whispers
who is she??
but I play it cool
never revealing my name
like no one can know
who I am
a secret traveling critic
as I take my seat in first class
throw my feet up on the
plush footrest
whip out my review computer
and write away
into the clouds
….(or just dream about it all)….
then go home to the country
and press wildflowers
and read poetry
and bask in full-face dog kisses
with whole-body tail wags
because I’m back where I belong
…..(without a badge)…….
Common Threads 