Janine
This week
I learned my thousandth
Norwegian word.
This week,
I cleared a clogged drain,
And cut back a vine
That threatened to engulf
The house.
This week
I finished reading a book,
Took wallpaper off the walls,
Went for walks,
Danced,
Laughed,
Cooked,
Coloured my hair,
Learned about the universe,
And cleaned.
This week,
I earned the gold stars
I would give to the
Children
I myself have not had.
This week,
I earned my keep.
Is that not worthy?
If that is not worthy,
What is?
Must I design
Skyscrapers
That blot out the sun?
Fill vaults with gold
Stolen from beneath
Farmers' feet?
Be known and adored
By millions
On socials,
For putting on mascara
While showing off white teeth?
What is worthy anyway?
Who gets to decide?
There is no stock market for singing,
No emerging index for hanging out washing.
Returns on checking in on friends are intangible,
Not unprofitable.
The value I place on a cat on my knees
Is not the same you place on a ship on high seas,
But both
Are good
In their own way.
You keep scanning,
If you want,
IPOs and FTSEs.
While you do that
I'll be over here,
Adding value
By existing.
Photo by Johnny McClung on Unsplash