My One Useless Talent

What I've gained & lost thirteen years after choosing poetry over paychecks.

We were in the middle of an argument when she said, “You never know—maybe one day you will write a poem that will win a bunch of awards and make a ton of money. Then you can take everyone on vacation.”

Her words lodge in me like a spear. I can feel the corners of my eyes sting and my face contort in anguish. Each syllable lances through every layer and s…