
This is to be expected.
I donโt come
with a pedigree
or a PH.D.
I donโt wear laurels
or titles well
I havenโt kissed ass
(or any of you),
and I know, I know
I should have bowed
low and deep
before the queen
but Iโve never been one
to follow the rules
or jump through hoops
of anyoneโs making
but my own.
Alice illustration by John Tenniel. Poem ยฉ2023, Jen Payne. #NaPoWriMo, National Poetry Month. If you like this poem, you can read similar in my books and zines, available from Three Chairs Publishing on my ETSY SHOP. They come autographed, with gratitude and a small gift.

