In an online writing class this summer, I’d given the following writing prompt, “What if . . . .” Participants had 10 minutes to write whatever came to mind. Here is Bob Bader’s response:
What if I were never born? The sun would still rise and set each day. The birds would still sing and the bees buzz. Flowers would still grow tall and give off sweet fragrances. Girls would still dance and boys, oh boys, would still be a pain to girls. That is, until the boys were older then the pain would be of a much different kind intermingled with sweet love.
So what would be so different? Well, Miss Davis wouldn’t have to put up with an adolescent snot who was desperately trying to find his way and not even knowing he was looking. All the teachers, and later on professors would have had one less soul striving to exist.
One lady would not have had a son to love and share. To share with another lady who was lost and fumbling for her own identity. A lady ravaged and raped by her own and society. One, if not for his being, would have left the stage early before the final curtain was suppose to come down.
No, the world would continue to revolve but in its orbit there would have been a slight wobble.
Bob Bader is a retired professional engineer who designed mechanical systems for various commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, justice facilities offices etc. He is now a tutor at SLCC showing students how to solve problems in mathematics, science and engineering. It’s his opportunity to give back to the educational community that he owes so much — time to help students find themselves and to nurture their ability to learn.
Bob is a poet and has been writing poetry for over 20 years. He’s a member and officer of the Utah State Poetry Society, an organization of amateur poets affiliated with the National Poetry Society. He enjoys the company and companionship of his fellow writers and values and utilizes their input after they’ve reviewed his work. Click here to read more writing prompt responses by Bob.
How about you? How would you answer the question, “what if . . .?” Find a quiet place, take out your writing tool of choice and start writing. Give yourself 10 minutes to write without stopping or editing. If you’re on a roll, just keep at it. You may be surprised to see what flows.
I’m always on the lookout for new pieces to post. If you have an essay or poem on aging you'd like to share with others on the blog, click here for submission info. Since I also teach “Writing Through Grief” and “Writing as a Tool to Cope with Anxiety,” if you have a piece related to these topics, I’d love to read it. Anything you want to share about your pandemic experience is also welcome!
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