We get a lot of messages about measuring ourselves. Who doesn’t like a groundswell of thumbs up after posting on social media? That triggers a rush of dopamine, a feel-good chemical.
But what about the downside? Like when another person posts about their fabulous vacay in Venice, their latest professional trophy, or their Instagram-perfect family. That might lead some people to negative comparisons–that somehow they’re missing out or falling short.
Social media platforms give us a chance to connect with others. But when it makes you feel like less of a person, maybe it’s time to log off and experience something in real time.
That’s why I wrote this poem. Being outside, breathing fresh air, scooping up an apple, biting into its juiciness, gently scratching the base of a horse’s neck . . . bring on the dopamine flow.
Apple Chill
Orchard branches gnarled,
I picked an apple,
sepia-grained red,
and cut into the flesh—
the seed-dimpled slice
tartly chilled my mouth.
The quarter horse
nuzzled yellow grass
and nibbled his fill
of bruised ripening,
lips velvet and damp,
and it was enough.
* * * * *
A veteran of Time Inc. and Dotdash Meredith (People Inc.), Catherine Hamrick is the author of The Tears of Things: Poems (Madville Publishing).
Hamrick’s poetry has appeared in Appalachian Places, Appalachian Review, The Blue Mountain Review, The Citron Review, Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel, storySouth, and elsewhere.
If you have a friend who might enjoy these stories, freely given, please share. Many thanks for reading!
Discover more from Catherine Hamrick
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
