Mockingbird

9 x 4.5 x 3.5

stoneware paperclay, underglazes, glazes

2024

Available

Why do people get married?

I have no more deodorant

my husband whispers in my ear

at 5am on Monday morning.

I am just waking up

after the biggest weekend show

of my small career.

A career that started from nothing

just 6 years ago

and has, most certainly

turned into something

I say: put on the girls deodorant,

there’s plenty in the closet.

It doesn’t make me angry or sad

It reminds me not to take myself too seriously.

People in your life still need you

To be the person who buys the deodorant

and know where the eczema cream is

They need you to call the painter

to finish the job

Or to go to the food store

and call the vet

this is a gentle reminder of that.

I was talking with a young artist over the weekend.

He asked: Why do people get married?

I said: To keep from being alone.

(Other people will say ‘for love’)

Later I thought more about my response

wondering if it was too harsh

But I realize I still feel the same way,

but I might use different words:

People want to belong

They have a longing to be connected to someone

who makes them feel like they belong