Instructions to My Mother. Marilyn Dumont. Never list the troubles of my eight
brothers and sisters before hearing mine. Simply nod your head and say “un huh,
”.
Instructions to My Mother Marilyn Dumont
Never list the troubles of my eight brothers and sisters before hearing mine Simply nod your head and say “un huh,” say “I hear you,” a lot and the rest of the time say nothing. When I am sick, don’t list your ailments before I tell you mine. Instead ask if I need a blanket and a book and let me eat ice cream bars dipped in dark chocolate. Never call the names of all my sisters Before calling mine. When I doubt my creativity, avoid listing the talents of my siblings first. Instead dig out my 10th grade sketch book and homesick letters to you and tell me they are remarkable and that they make you cry. And never tell me I’m “getting grey,” but that I am wise in skin, sturdy-minded in bone and beautywise in the ways of old women.
Activities (1.)
Write a factious email to a parent. Offer him or her tactful advice about how to interact better with you.
(2.)
Write a poem from the perspective of a boy giving instructions to his father. In small groups, take turns reading your poems aloud, and discuss the ways that boys and fathers interact differently from girls and mothers.
