As part of my Harry Baker binge last year, I went to see one of his Christmas shows in Leeds, at which Erin performed. She shared some of her Worry Doll poems, which were just so so funny, I had to buy her book as it contained nine of them!
As far as the rest of the book went, it was more what I think of when I think of poetry, that is, a bit too clever for me. There were a few I enjoyed, but really I just loved the Worry Doll ones, and it was worth it for them alone.
I enjoyed ‘River’, which pointed out we’ll have a picnic on the side of a river but not a motorway, nor will we get a round trip in a taxi for fun.
The Worry Doll poems cover all sorts of things, from what to wear to the doctors, to how much effort to put into your appearance for the postman, but my favourite was Worry Doll II, on the theme of feminine hygiene and the environment!
I’m never sure if it’s ok to re-type out a whole poem, below I’ve typed out the first half, but very happy to remove if requested.
Worry Doll II
I worry about my effects on the environment. I decide to stop using tampons and pads. I Google menstruation cups. That’s a minefield. There are different sizes. And shapes. I don’t know what size or shape my vagina is. I’ve never really seen it that way; no one has ever told me. It appears important to know how high your cervix is. I’m not entirely positive I’m 100% sure which bit the cervix is. I worry I don’t know enough about my vagina. I worry my lack of knowledge about my vagina is impacting negatively on the environment.
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ineke.co.uk 