Years ago I read an ad in the Personals. No, honestly, it really was years ago, although it’s probably time to start reading them again. There really was a real ad from a woman who took about a quarter page ad, telling everyone about her children and how devoted she was to them (as if anyone was asking) and how she would always put them first (as she should) and how nobody would get between her and them (as if they’d want to).<\/p>\n

It just went on and on and on, as if someone kept suggesting the opposite, over her shoulder. I don’t know if anyone ever replied. I didn’t. The saddest thing was also the funniest thing, the very last line: <\/em><\/p>\n

I’m looking for a man with no baggage<\/em>.<\/p>\n

It’s always stayed with me. So I updated it a little, in case that poor woman is still out there somewhere, still going on about her adult children. I should say now, this poem, if that’s what it is, is NOT based on or about anyone I have ever known, met, spoken to or done anything else with. Ever.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

All Of Your S**t<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

I\u2019m looking for someone<\/p>\n

Without any baggage<\/p>\n

I am a man woman couple looking for a fun<\/p>\n

Reliable person partner soulmate<\/p>\n

Who is tall short and dark light<\/p>\n

Who is funny serious adventurous<\/p>\n

And likes staying at home<\/p>\n

And going out with friends,<\/p>\n

Just chilling, doing the same things.<\/p>\n

They say opposites attract lol.<\/p>\n

I love my children, my home, my family<\/p>\n

My car my job I would give the world<\/p>\n

Lay down my life for or<\/p>\n

Never forgive them or someone, for something.<\/p>\n

I love my pets and<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t want any ties right now.<\/p>\n

I like walking on beaches in the mountains.<\/p>\n

I love going on Citybreaks in the countryside.<\/p>\n

I want someone to be there for me<\/p>\n

When I need them and I can\u2019t handle commitment<\/p>\n

Right now. I love having no responsibilities<\/p>\n

And caring and going away<\/p>\n

Whenever I like.<\/p>\n

I love staying at home.<\/p>\n

I am looking for a life<\/p>\n

Partner a serious relationship<\/p>\n

A one-night stand<\/p>\n

Who knows let\u2019s see. Fun.<\/p>\n

I am married, single, divorced,<\/p>\n

Separated, just looking.<\/p>\n

And widowed. It\u2019s complicated.<\/p>\n

Delete as appropriate.<\/p>\n

Delete as inappropriate.<\/p>\n

Friend me. Chat. Txt. IM me.<\/p>\n

Review my post and report me to Facebook.<\/p>\n

Delete my posts on your timeline.<\/p>\n

Remove your profile and change<\/p>\n

Your privacy settings<\/p>\n

Even as you change mine.<\/p>\n

Forever and ever,<\/p>\n

Or until the next time.<\/p>\n

Mark me as flagged until that thing happens when<\/p>\n

First the Xs disappear from your msgs<\/p>\n

And quickly then the txts get shorter<\/p>\n

And less often until sooner than you thought<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no reply at all and quite finally<\/p>\n

Without appeal and irrevocably,<\/p>\n

You just unfriend me.<\/p>\n

So I\u2019m looking for someone<\/p>\n

Without any baggage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(c) Carl Bennett 2013<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking back I can see I posted this on November 28th. That was the day I went to the Blaxhall Ship and my life changed quite considerably.<\/p>\n

<\/a>