sit up straight
the napkin goes on your lap
elbows off the table
tines down
tines up
left hand, right hand,
tip the spoon away
don’t slurp
don’t shovel
don’t talk with your mouth full
and
sit
up
straight
May I please be excused?
Poem ©2025 Jen Payne. NaPoWriMo, National Poetry Writing 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.
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