.

The Latest Gender Identity

He’s fat, but he identifies as skinny,
Insisting everybody call him “Mini.”
He now, of course, considers “slim” his gender,
And must henceforth be referenced as “trans-slender.”

.

.

Responding to Texts

My friend will often not respond to texts.
He said to me that this is by design.
For decades on his job he was required
To answer calls and emails right away.
And now that he is happily retired
He wants his time to solely be his own
With what he does controlled by him alone.

But I, who had the same career as he,
And also deemed a fast response required,
Yet still believe a similar reply
Is warranted by texts received from friends,
Explained to him that I view each new text
As what those friends saw fit to have pursued
In lieu of every option that they had,
For which attention I feel gratitude,
That I believe a prompt reply projects,
Regardless of the content of the texts.

To spur a change my chance seemed slim indeed,
Until his wife declared that she agreed.

.

.

Caitlin Clark’s Popularity

Some say her popularity is due to race,
But it’s a cinch to prove those folks aren’t right.
Next time they make that bogus claim with a straight face,
Ask them if they think Michael Jordan’s white.

.

Poet’s Note: Caitlin Clark is a 22-year-old rookie professional basketball player from Iowa, whose unparalleled long distance shooting and spectacular passing has dramatically increased interest in women’s basketball nationwide.

.

.

Russel Winick recently started writing poetry after ending a long legal career. He resides in Naperville, Illinois.

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17 Responses

  1. Joseph S. Salemi

    These are three really cute poems — and I especially like the zinger about the smug anti-white racism that is going after Caitlyn Clark.

    To Evan Mantyk — once again you prove that you are a veritable magician when it comes to finding illustrations. That Williams picture is both appropriate and amazing!

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thank you Professor, your compliments are quite meaningful to me. And I too have long admired Evan’s gift for pairing the perfect illustrations with poems.

      Reply
  2. Roy Eugene Peterson

    Your humor continues to entertain with a serious message ensconced in the text. Your sort of satire on such subjects is satisfying.

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thank you Roy. Your appreciation is itself greatly appreciated!

      Reply
  4. Cynthia Erlandson

    Laughed out loud at the first one, Russel! They’re all fun.

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thanks for letting me know, Cynthia. We have to try to keep laughing, right?

      Reply
  5. Gigi Ryan

    Dear Russel,
    You have a flair for a surprising and humorous twist at the end, as seen in all three of your poems these today. Thank you.

    Gigi

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thanks Gigi, I appreciate that, and am glad you enjoyed them.

      Reply
  6. Cheryl Corey

    “Gender” / “trans-slender” – terrific stuff. By the way, did you happen to see that the title of Miss Alabama was awarded to a morbidly obese woman? Also, a great reference to Michael Jordan. I don’t watch women, but when the stands are filled it’s only thanks to Caitlin. She’s a phenom, and it’s pure jealousy.

    Reply
    • Joseph S. Salemi

      The fat lady won something called “The National American Miss Alabama Contest,” a pageant that isn’t connected with the regular Miss Alabama competition. Apparently it isn’t even a beauty contest.

      Reply
  7. Margaret Coats

    Ominous first poem, Russel, showing a person making a great leap forward in arbitrary definition. Not only can he define his gender to be other than it objectively appears, but he can also define any characteristic he does or doesn’t possess to be his gender. Cute as your poem is, I shudder at the possibilities.

    “Responding to Texts,” on the other hand, shows logic that is courteous and generous on your part. I admire that way of thinking about messages sent by friends. Maybe I shouldn’t have waited two days to comment on this post!

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Margaret – As to Identity, once again you have completely nailed the underlying message of my poem. As for Texts, your feedback is always appreciated, regardless of any wait. Thank you, as always.

      Reply
  8. Susan Jarvis Bryant

    Russel, I love all three of these poems. They manage to make important points while making me smile and nod in agreement. I especially like “Responding to Texts”. Someone I know only responds to texts if it involves a direct question. Perhaps they shouldn’t have told me that… what do you think???? 😉

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      I think if that disappoints you, then you will find a gentle way to get your thought across. Thanks Susan – I’m glad you liked the poems.

      Reply

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