Whose Normal

Whose normal – your normal or my normal I ask her.
She is shocked.
Believing we all have the same normal.

My children roller skated in the house, I tell her.
They had swings in the basement. We had pink goats.
My normal might not be your normal.

But that does not make sense! She argues. That is a lie.
I burned down my treehouse when I was smoking, I told her.
I was eight. A pyromaniac. I set fires in the neighborhood.

That’s not normal! She argues.
It is normal if you are me, I tell her.
I am a cannibalistic killer.

She left screaming.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Rigoler Avatar
December 6, 2019 at 11:10 AM
Haha! You're on a roll today, Caren. The poem raises a fundamental question: What IS normal? For most, it's doing nothing that's different from millions of others! It is the achievement of blahness without effort. Food for thought here. / M
Kiser Avatar
December 4, 2019 at 6:37 PM
Haha, Stop it! HAHAHA...now I have to go to the toilet.
Krutsinger Avatar
December 5, 2019 at 3:58 AM
I know my normal and their normal is NOT the same normal
Hladky Avatar
December 4, 2019 at 1:33 PM
I love your ending. What a rebel! I can relate to letting kids roller skate in the house; I did something similar, so their marks would remind me they're more important than a perfect house. I just discovered what a prolific poet you are! So many poems to enjoy! You're one of the first poets I've added to my Follow Poet list.
Krutsinger Avatar
December 5, 2019 at 3:58 AM
Thank you so much Greg. This gives me joy.
Dhaka Avatar
December 4, 2019 at 11:11 AM
"It is normal if you are me, I tell her. " That's perfect! LOL! Very amusing
Krutsinger Avatar
December 5, 2019 at 3:58 AM
And so trecherously true.
Proxenos Avatar
December 4, 2019 at 11:09 AM
Where do you think of these writes - I applaud you - you must be such a fun teacher! Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
Krutsinger Avatar
December 5, 2019 at 3:59 AM
Let us put it this way. When I enter a classroom the children cheer.
Rodrigues Avatar
December 4, 2019 at 9:08 AM
LOL! Sounds like a good argument to have. Shake em up! Friends tested...some survive. The best survive. I think i’ll swing from my chandelier now ;)
Krutsinger Avatar
December 5, 2019 at 3:59 AM
I am already on that chandelier. Come join me!
Labyrinth Avatar
December 4, 2019 at 4:45 AM
THIS IS WHY YOU ARE AT THE TOP OF MY LIST OF FAVOURITES. WHAT IS EFFING NORMAL? Nothing in this flaming world is normal. Labyrinth. x
Krutsinger Avatar
December 5, 2019 at 4:00 AM
My normal is certainly no one else's. Maybe yours is close though, L.L.
Bangalee Avatar
December 4, 2019 at 4:05 AM
everywhere I find normal; but the arguing is not normal behavior!
Krutsinger Avatar
December 5, 2019 at 4:00 AM
Except in some families, arguing is THEIR normal. Unfortunately.
Wolf Avatar
December 3, 2019 at 8:33 PM
Oh, you merciless cannibalistic soul, you! LOL! … And thought you were simply 'ballistic!'... Bring it on, Caren! Smiles, Gershon, Kabbalistic Nutcase
Krutsinger Avatar
December 4, 2019 at 12:24 AM
I wanted to have a little shock at the end. Giggle. Giggle.
Bauer Avatar
December 3, 2019 at 5:52 PM
ha! this is great, caren!
Krutsinger Avatar
December 4, 2019 at 12:25 AM
I like to envision these things happening, and am rather disappointed when they don't.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace