Baby’s got a hot blog
She tells her darkest secrets
to her 8000 unique visitors.
Staring into her screen so passionately
I believe it could melt.
I would.
When I whisper my fear
that I am losing her to her audience
she looks in my eyes and says,
“That would make a great status update.”
If it was another man, I’d fight,
but there are just too many of them.
She gets 15 new friend requests a day
and they are better listeners,
more supportive.
She tweets that she’s on her fourth iced tea and
they instantly respond she is their hero.
I admit I don’t do that.
She’s better off with them.
Our sex is by the white light
of her iPad that shares our bed,
its rapid, rhythmless pings
destroying my concentration.
I start thinking,
they are watching, commenting,
clicking their thumbs up, sharing helpful tips,
feeling she is more with them than me.
I am sure we will stay in touch.
She won’t defriend me.
She hates to lose followers.
And of course there’s my side of the family
who don’t amount to much but then
they have friends and so on.
At dinner I will break the news
by changing my relationship status
on Facebook.
Learning who we are
“Ap-ple” they pointed,
“Apppulll”
with mouths so close,
breathing all knowledge
into us.
We exhaled back, “Uh-pa.”
They threw us high, “Apple!”
“Ab-wa!”
“Dog,” “cow,” of course, ‘Momma.’
Then we learned who we are.
Became that sound,
moved into its body.
And fell
through its space
when the only girl in the world
said who she loved
and it wasn’t our name
on her lips.
Sue Montgomery says
I love the poems, Michael. I think Baby’s Got a Hot Blog does everything the movie “Her” tried to do but is so much better. Congratulations. It’s wonderful work.
michael mark says
Thanks for reading these poems and for commenting. Empty Mirror has wonderful, thoughtful word by talented people and I was lucky to be included. And I will not change my relationship status on Facebook or anywhere else when it comes to my baby.
sara says
such great love. i am laughing and cringing and will process these words for days to come.
A mark says
Really sweet tribute (Baby) . Ouch.
Trying to fully grasp Learning; I wish I could do it without assistance.
michael mark says
Thank you all for reading the poems and for the support. I deeply appreciate it, because poets do things deeply. :)
Kymberly (@KymberlyFunFit) says
You have sex? Then obviously your “wifey personage fictional character” is not paying enough attention to her blog.
Carrie G. says
Very interesting………
Traci says
You know you arent changing that relationship status! LOL
LOVE hearing from the other half!
Great poem. Thank you!
Jennifer Saldarriaga says
Genius!
This is what the union of two talented writers is looking like nowadays.
Love you both.
ERIN HOYE says
MICHAEL, THAT IS PERFECT I COULD JUST HEAR THE WORDS COMING OUT OF YOUR MOUTH. IS THAT WHAT YOU WERE WORKING ON A EL POLLO LOCO…? LOIS THE MAN IS A KEEPER…
madgesw says
Love hearing Michael’s words.
Lois Alter Mark says
Where’s the “love” button?! Can’t wait to share this poem on my blog — and share the rest of my life with you. xoxo
S. Roberts says
truly terrific. Show me more
Elly says
Michael…”became that sound…moved into its body” so beautifully stated and so apt about how all words and sounds resonate deep within becoming us. Love both of these. Thank you so much!
Mark Cohen says
Hey Michael, I read recently that a writing teacher told his students, “don’t focus on writing great stories. Write great sentences.” You’ve written some, which as you know is no small thing. These are poems and they deserved publication. Brave of you to write a poem about blogging. The overlooked obvious is where the action is. Your instincts are right on the money, as always. Be well.
Lewis says
Congratulations. I envy you. Your poems are good. Sigh. It’s not often a poem makes me belly laugh and you succeeded. Good job! So much talent in one family is an inspiration.
Alex Matthew says
Beautiful writing. Very powerful!
madgesw says
Michael,
Words are potent messages and I love yours. Hope the make-up sex was worth it and Lois didn’t make you say this. Pretty soon you will have 8000 devoted followers on your blog. Fight fire with fire. You are a great writer.
See if you hadn’t retired you would never have known what Lois did all day.
S. Roberts says
Great poems. You are terrific
Nathalie says
Yes a great status update. Thank you Michael for sharing your headspace
S. Roberts says
Great!!! Show me more.
Lois Alter Mark says
Can’t wait to share this on my blog — and the rest of my life with you. xoxo
Denis Z says
Enjoyed very much MM. Thanks.
sol roberts says
Bravo, two terrific poems. Can’t wait to hear more of them
Ruth Curran says
Maybe an “Awesome Men With Who Married Women With Hot Blogs” support group is in order? So happy to cheer, loudly, for my other favorite Mark!
Doreen McGettigan says
My husband was so happy to learn he is not alone.
Dan Curran says
Well done my friend!
Sheryl says
I have to say you are extremely supportive and tolerant, allowing Lois to grow her blog freely. Bravo!
Susan Mayson says
What a beautiful arrangement of words. Such talent between you and your “hot blogger.” Please don’t change your relationship status, on Facebook or otherwise though, ok?
tauna austin says
Such a gift you have been given Michael, to select words that string together while drawing us in, much like my favorite old turquoise bead necklace. thank you.
Gerry says
Laughed so hard at this! You two make such a good team!
Kim Jorgensen Gane says
Hmmm…. To share with my hubby or not? Maybe I’ll ask Lois. :D
Love that the two of you have such a playful banter. I suppose this is her payback for the purple sweater. Thanks for sharing your talent. I sense there will come a day when she switches the she’s to he’s and the hers to hims and reposts this.
Mary W says
Thanks for sharing – loved them.
Kim LePiane says
Fun and playful Michael, with your Baby and her Hot Blog! I am still learning who I am from the mouths of those I adore! It is great to get a peek into your world.
Sandra Sallin says
Hysterical and so true, My husband asked if he would ever see my face again over the breakface table,
Helene Cohen Bludman says
Michael, you can count me as your newest, truest fan. I LOVE these poems! I also love your wife, but I think you knew that.
Kathy Radigan says
Love both, but the first one is a real gem!! And if you ever decide to start a support group I know of a husband who would totally join you!! Thanks for a great laugh! (Of course I learned of your great post from a certain blogger!!)
Susan says
This is what poetry should be….thought provoking imagery and raw emotions provoke a visceral and almost haunting reaction. I find myself still thinking about the poems long after i have finished reading them. Thanks for sharing….
Julie Phelps says
Beautiful words of love and support.
Janie Emaus says
Who exactly are you talking about? I love your wife.