It’s time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post. Our collective twitter of insecurity blasted out via individual keyboards and shared via blogs and, ironically, Twitter. Check it out! Our amazing co-hosts this month are Erika Beebe, PJ Colando,Tonja Drecker, Sadira Stone, and Cathrina Constantine!
The optional May 5th question is: has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn’t expect? If so, did it surprise you?
Yes they have. I used to regularly participate in a daily writing contest. They’d post a word or phrase prompt, and the end of the day was the deadline. One day the prompt made me think of a tired mom in desperate need of a few hours alone and a bath, so I wrote a poem with a mom jokingly telling her kids that she can’t come out of the bathroom for a variety of reasons, ending with a directive to ask their dad. I figured everyone would understand and laugh.
The judge for the event seemed to be equal parts horrified and frustrated. She thought my bathroom-bound mom was somehow being kept in the bathroom by the dad the kids were supposed to ask for help, and she was distressed I would write such a thing. 😮 I could not believe anyone would read that into my silly poem. I had been wrong about everyone being in on the joke, and I, most definitely, did not win the prize for my post. Oh well.
Time to talk about something more fun—news.
My first story is all about a good boy who wants to play. Stop talking and play with him, Mr. President. https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_6090ee43e4b02e74d22b15f2
Alligator popsicles! I had no idea Oklahoma had gators. https://www.livescience.com/snorkeling-alligators-oklahoma.html
Last up, a song. Enjoy a listen, and I’ll see you in seven.
kimlajevardi 
It sounds like a great poem. I guess some people lack a sense of humor.
Either lacking humor or experience with kids.
I really wish you would have included your poem here! Especially given that crazy reaction. I agree with others that most likely that judge never had kids. Even imagining wanting to hole up in the bathroom makes me want to smile!
I’d have to dig through my old files. I haven’t seen that poem for years. Glad I made you smile. 😉
Some people just don’t get it.
Agreed.
Too bad she didn’t really get your poem. It sounds like it was funny.
I thought so. 😉
How did she read that in your poem? Crazy lady.
Makes sense the alligators would make holes so they can breathe.
The only thing I came up with is she never had kids or hung out with any tired moms. 🤷♀️