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A review by ciarazard
The Orange and other poems by Wendy Cope
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
3⭐️ but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. As with the very essence of this poem — boring is fine and simplicity can be wonderful. This reminded me so much of Tolkien’s quote, “It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.”
I originally bought “The Orange and Other Poems” for her titular poem, The Orange, but resonated instantly with Being Boring — as someone who constantly struggles between wanting to live an extraordinary life full of achievements and finding contentment in being ordinary (or mediocre, even). I have always pressured myself to be the best and have equated my value with titles and possessions, with how much I earn and how productive or busy I am. Looking back at it now — I used to dread seeing friends and having to answer questions like, “What’s new with you?” or “What are you doing now?” or “Any major plans coming up soon?” because I didn’t want to be the Boring Friend.
This poem is a nice pick-me-upper. I am perfectly fine where I am, just the way I am, even when I have nothing new going on.
And I hope, sincerely, that I keep this to heart: I aspire to go on and on being boring. 🍊
I originally bought “The Orange and Other Poems” for her titular poem, The Orange, but resonated instantly with Being Boring — as someone who constantly struggles between wanting to live an extraordinary life full of achievements and finding contentment in being ordinary (or mediocre, even). I have always pressured myself to be the best and have equated my value with titles and possessions, with how much I earn and how productive or busy I am. Looking back at it now — I used to dread seeing friends and having to answer questions like, “What’s new with you?” or “What are you doing now?” or “Any major plans coming up soon?” because I didn’t want to be the Boring Friend.
This poem is a nice pick-me-upper. I am perfectly fine where I am, just the way I am, even when I have nothing new going on.
And I hope, sincerely, that I keep this to heart: I aspire to go on and on being boring. 🍊