Notes About The Poem

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ORDINARY DAYS

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This poem was written in response to an assignment in my online poetry class: “Why does an ordinary life feel like a failure in today's world?” Because Instagram is a museum, and we are the unpaid janitors of our own lives~ mopping up the spillage of seemingly unremarkable mornings. Because someone’s balcony is always brighter, their coffee more artful, their sadness more cinematic. Our sadness arrives in discount sweatpants, unphotogenic. Because the algorithm whispers: You could be the main character, but the plot demands a montage, a twist, a soundtrack swelling as you jog toward redemption. You are still tying your shoes. Because the word ordinary has been hijacked and laundered into something suspicious~ like a plain envelope in an age of glitter bombs. Because we forget how the spine of a day is built from quiet commas, not exclamation marks. How the heart keeps its most sacred receipts in the pocket of an old coat~ a ticket stub, a note that says come home soon, the way the light looked when it was enough.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
March 21, 2026 at 11:39 AM
The older we get the more we value 'ordinary'. Superbly crafted poem. Added to my FAVE's.
Crandall Avatar
February 7, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Well said. I wouldn't mind having an ordinary person by my side right now.
Wolf Avatar
February 3, 2026 at 7:14 PM
'How the heart keeps its most sacred receipts in the pocket of an old coat' --- Remarkable penning, Sara!! Bravo, gw
Hind Avatar
February 2, 2026 at 3:41 PM
a whole lot of truth to this- you explained this in a simple way, I bet you had what they were looking for
Etgen-Baker Avatar
February 3, 2026 at 4:35 PM
thanks for your kind words, Paige. Your support is so encouraging
Sidwell Avatar
February 2, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Truly remarkable poem!
Etgen-Baker Avatar
February 3, 2026 at 4:35 PM
thank you, kind Sir
Gentile Avatar
February 2, 2026 at 8:23 AM
Sara, such profound thoughts have inspired your write! I could only aspire to pen such a poetically beautiful and meaningful piece! I can only say, that I feel this is perfect and I want to read and reread it as the words ring so true! hHppy Monday xxoo
Etgen-Baker Avatar
February 3, 2026 at 4:34 PM
wow, Mike, thank you for your enthusiasm for this poem. I'm humbly grateful Hope you have a great week, Sara xxoo
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