In the second half of last year I posted a series of quatrains on my Instagram page. These short verses were inspired by American poet, writer, critic, and satirist Dorothy Parker. I thought I would post them here, for—hopefully—your enjoyment.

1. I write this note to you dear Dorothy
Because advice from the living is dull
They have never been my priority
I found there’s often more smarts in a skull

2. I write this note to your dear Dorothy
The clouds took on a slate grey hue today
I felt heavy with their enormity
No effort was made to keep them at bay

3. I write this note to your dear Dorothy
Today I met a gang clad in denim
Who questioned my pledge to conformity
vicious women sip tea like it’s venom

4. I write this note to you dear Dorothy
Because I wish for a garden that’s green
But we are part of a minority
That can kill a plant as soon as it’s seen

5. I write this note to you dear Dorothy
Their dreams feel like traveling down a turnpike
In my night they have no authority
Ivy leaves spreading constellation-like

6. I write this note to you dear Dorothy
Our community is riddled with hurts
They speak of a sense of sorority
But their teardown acts speak louder than words

7. I write this note to you dear Dorothy
Because I’d like a soft hug but instead
My skin is tingling with neuropathy
As I’m lying alone in my bed

8. I write this note to you dear Dorothy
Because I’m tired of things that are beige
Railing against all uniformity
Is a must before you go to the grave

9. I write this note to you dear Dorothy
As I’m composing my final caption
Apart from the silent majority
My verses seem to be gaining traction