Anthony Kendrick

This is a poem that I wrote in my first few years of marriage as I was beginning my college career. In my mid-20’s I was still full of angst that comes from a life that is nowhere near what I wanted it to be.

This poem was published online by Spokenwar in 2009 and captured by the Wayback Machine Internet Archives in February 2010. If my recollection serves me Spokenwar published work that was a little more edgy and modern. It published text but also accepted spoken word recordings that were also posted on their website.

I don’t know if this poem was edgy or modern, but I know it was how I felt in the moment. And 17 years ago at least somebody liked it. Here it is…

Pink

Lying on a bed with a pink comforter,
Staring at a sixty-watt ceiling light
bearing down like the light of a locomotive.
The train strikes.
Wait for death,
It never comes.
I just keep lying on a pink comforter.

Comforter…
Why would anything colored bright pink
be called a comforter?
It is a distractor.
It is a reason to get a real job
To afford nicer bed spreads.
I wish that light bulb were a real locomotive.

Welcome to my personal blog and website. As a quick introduction I have been in libraries and education for 20 years. I have a degree in PreK – 8 education and a minor in library sciences. While my career and education tell you a fair amount about what I value, they don’t tell you who I am. So, here I would like to introduce myself a little more fully.

Things to know about me:

1. I am creative. – I love to create. I need to create. I believe that music, poetry, art, and good food and drink are necessary for a fulfilling life. I try to enjoy and participate in those things as often as possible.
2. I am a curator. – While a librarian is not necessarily considered a curator in the strictest sense of the word, I have been purchasing and organizing a collection of books and information for a very specific group for many years. I’ve also frequently helped gather short written works for publication and local distribution, selecting pieces that resonate with my community or align with my own interests.
3. I am opinionated. – I think that most readers know what they say about opinions – just like a certain part of the body – everybody’s got one. I am no exception. There are many things that I believe wholeheartedly, and things I cannot believe in. I will do my best to avoid opinions on difficult topics because while I enjoy deep conversation, I do not enjoy heated public debate. That being said I will likely share plenty of opinions on totally inane topics, for instance: “Only women and children are allowed to put ketchup on a hot dog.” If that offends you – good. I am always up for fun discussion.
4. I am self-deprecating. – In the list of qualities that I think a human should develop, humility is in my top 5, maybe even top 3. I really try to show this quality. Unfortunately, my self-deprecating statements and humor are not humility, they are simply an outlet for my insecurities and low-self esteem. So if you think I suck, don’t worry I already know.
5. I am probably an oxymoron. – I am the proverbial walking contradiction. For instance, I have already said that I am opinionated on many serious and not so serious things, but that I prize humility and have insecurities and low-self esteem. Odd combination wouldn’t you say. I am also not a people person and yet I love performing for people. I’m sure as I continue to share you will see the many contradictions that make me human.
6. I like to make lists. – Enough said.

I hope you enjoy viewing my work and my thoughts. All the best to you!