The Introvert at the Party; an exploration in Haiku
Introverted girl
at a social gathering
trying not to cling
Releasing Matt’s arm
I take a deep breath and wander
deeper in the house
Determined to learn
from the mistakes of my past:
don’t drink all the wine!
What is the most time
I can hide in the toilet
before eyebrows raise?
Do I look social
crossing the room with purpose
looking for “someone”?
Hovering over
the table of finger foods
not sure what to do
It’s called ‘finger food’
but do I use a napkin?
What’s the proper way?
And then what happens?
If I put it in my mouth
I will get a question
From someone or other.
I’ll stand there, mouth full of cheese…
happens every time.
Better to slip it
quickly into my pocket
for later, alone.
Time to venture off;
initiate a friendship…
thank God, there’s a dog!
Check the time, dear Christ!
How can that be possible?
It’s six forty five.
Cross the room again:
bathroom appetizer time.
It’ll be a long night.
Rachel Lewis
Welcome! I’m a middle-aged former Mormon (aka the “other FOMO”), essayist, and playwright living in Salt Lake City. I work in pharmaceuticals professionally and write recreationally—though I’m open to reversing that someday. On Life and Lemons is where I share humorous snippets about writing, addiction, recovery, relationships, mental health, and whatever else life tosses in the blender. If you enjoy dark humor with a twist of lemon-tart snark—or just need proof that your own life isn’t the only one held together by twist ties and good intentions—you’re in the right place. You can follow me and get updates on the release of my new essay collection at instagram.com/pieces_of_string/. 🍋 Subscribe and let’s overthink things together.