Yoda Olinyk (she/her) loves to make people comfortable, which is too bad because she is a poet. When she's not writing or editing, Yoda works as an abortion doula and workshop guide for people in recovery. Her work has appeared in many beloved journals, including Rattle and The Shore. She has published a memoir about restaurant life and is working on a book of poems. You can find Yoda Olinyk at www.doulaofwords.com. Her Instagram is @doulaofwords.
I Cannot Write a Dog Poem
without calling it unconditional love. For all the times
I’ve lied—about my age, relationship status, hair colour.
For the times I’ve been careless enough to leave
the house with a candle burning. For the time I got banned
from uber; got so drunk in Ohio, I woke up in Austin.
For the time I stole that ring, the one I could have paid for,
from that sleepy, seaside shop in Alma. For the time I cried
all night because your poem got published and mine didn’t.
For everything that happened in August. For when I screen
my sisters’ calls even though I am the only number in her phone.
For the time you said I love you but I didn’t say it back.
For the time I kissed Andrea and said it didn’t count.
For the time we fought so hard, I stopped watering the orchid
you gave me, or the time I googled: “what plants thrive best
in a cold, dark room.” For the time I killed a spider just for
looking at me. For every time your water dish goes dry —
I scold, and moments later, you paw my bruise as if to say,
you are a good girl.
-by Yoda Olinyk
The bookstore Yoda and I were referencing in the podcast is called Little Wren Bookshop.
