There’s a second person now —
her name is Fran.
She’s really good at all the things
I don’t do well or don’t like to do,
such as
cleaning anything or
saying no to you
when your requests are
awkward or ill timed, and cause me
to avoid email or voicemail or Facebook or texts
for days on end
Fran says no so smoothly that
you end up feeling glad, caressed like a kitten,
with only the smallest sting of rejection,
so small, you can say
you must have imagined it.
As I said, Fran will also do housework,
paperwork, a host of -works,
but mostly this one:
No.
No, thank you.
We are delighted to be asked but must regretfully say
no.
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Today’s prompt at Imaginary Garden with Real Toads is “second.”
Marilyn Rauch Cavicchia 
Learning to say no is one of the most important lessons in life.
I know exactly how you feel and have been acquainted with many such “Frans” every now and then. Beautifully rendered.
I like Fran!
Oh, she has learned the secret of life. Wish i had learned this skill fifty years ago!
I could use a Fran in my life too, well done,,
Can I get one!? Thanks for clever poem. K.
Very useful, that Fran!
Relatable x
Oh wow, do I like Fran. How do I get a Fran in my life?
It is such a treat to be reading your poems this month, Marilyn. The ones you’ve posted so far are terrifically skillful and sure–even more than in the past. Thanks so much for deciding in favor of sharing them here.
Oh, wow! Thank you so much, Jennifer! And yes, thus far, I’m glad to be posting this month. 🙂