Today’s prompt from NaPoWriMo.net “is based off of Lauren Russell’s collaborative poetry exercise. Today, we challenge you to write a poem that is based on a secret shame, or a secret pleasure. It could be eating too many cookies, or bad movies, or the time you told your sister she could totally brush her teeth with soap. It’s up to you. Happy writing!”

I had written a poem several years ago on a similar theme, but rather than post it, I wrote an update of my sins for 2018.

Mea Culpa for my Secret Sins 2018

I confess I have worn a nightgown

under my winter coat to run to the store for milk

I have said no to oatmeal, all cinnamon and spice, feeling

virtuous for half an hour ‘til devouring bowls of potato chips instead

I admit I have taken the last piece of pie

not leaving it for my brother

I’ve walked by donation boxes, head turned to avoid

the gaze of the volunteer hoping I’ll stop to offer some coin

Once I walked through a door marked No Admittance only to be

scolded by a man in a military uniform at the Department of Defence

Most days I play Bingo Bash when I

should be editing old poems

But worst?

I hide away chocolate bars for forbidden snacks, flush away

the plate of dry toast and ten unsalted almonds.

Carol A. Stephen

April 1, 2018