The second installment of See|Saw features work by artist Jennie Ottinger and writer Sarah Fran Wisby. Both currently live and work in the Bay Area. For this round of See|Saw, Jennie responded to Sarah’s poem. Enjoy.
-Maw Shein Win
things to take with us
by Sarah Fran Wisby
I would want a bag of sugar. We can practice restraint by eating one grain per day. Could a person even taste one grain of sugar on the end of her fingertip? She could if it was her job. Then when the bag is empty we can use it for shelter, or tear out the inner lining and write on it. What will we write? Sweet things.
A good mattress. We are not so young anymore. We need a good mattress. I do believe that the universe provides. When I needed nothing, I had nothing. Now that I need things, I am able to acquire them. I only hope I am not judged too harshly by those who still need nothing.
A dictionary is more important than a comb, that is certain. But a comb is so lightweight there is no need to jettison it in favor of more important things. A dictionary however.
I’m afraid my ceramic knives will be useless, as they require professional sharpening.
Yes of course a suicide kit. You are so practical, darling. When we need nothing, we will have nothing.
The mommy is no longer able to get pregnant. Therefore the daddy must impregnate the daughter if the human race is to continue. This is so distasteful they cannot speak of it, and tacitly postpone the decision at least until the son reaches puberty, and there will be options.