I couldn’t settle on a topic for today’s post, so I went back to my jar of memories for some inspiration…

Found it!

If you’ve ever lived in France, then you know this situation, and also how much of a joke the above park sign is. People have these grand illusions of France as a sparkling, wonderful nation of art and culture and cheese, and it can be all of these things. But it’s also covered in dog poop. You think, she must be exaggerating. You think, oh sure there’s always that one person who doesn’t clean up after their pets. But imagine “that one person” is an entire nation of dog owners. I was inspired by this problem to write some haikus, or as I’ve dubbed them, poo-kus.

We love the idea
Of pink Parisian poodles
Sporting blue berets

Here’s reality:
Those poodles poop and no one
Thinks to pick it up

Beautiful alleys
Medieval cobblestone walks
All covered in poop

Watch out! she shouted
With an unexpected shove
My foot just missed it

Peals of laughter ring
We can’t believe this happens
At least once a week

Dotting the sidewalks
Hiding sneakily in parks
Thank heavens for rain

You want to look up
Marvel at your surroundings
Safer to look down
(Your shoes will thank you)

France: the land of cheese
Champagne, foie gras, intellect
Philosophy…POOP?! ❂

Slice of Life is a daily writing challenge during the month of March hosted by Two Writing Teachers. Visit their blog for more information about the challenge and for advice and ideas about how to participate.