Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Rejection Slip

1. You were not my first choice.

2. I was not your first choice.

3. I'm content to have finished this work.

4. I am not content to leave it here.

5. What is the sound of one rejection slip?

6. Is it true that I will favor you until you are taken?

7. Will I stop dreaming of you once you are taken?

8. Am I ahead of my time?

9. Is my time ahead of me?

10. Do you begrudge your brothers and sisters who were taken?

11. Have I ever lied to you?

12. Have you ever lied to me?

13. How does this all relate to Zoe Strauss' reaction at not being given a Guggenheim in 2007?