This week in a meeting of my poetry critique group, I managed to say that I can’t write poems with cursing or profanity, which led to a lively discussion of the use of language, in poems and in general.
I was brought up to use proper English at all times and not to swear. Unlike today, where cursing, profanity, and slang is used frequently and is nearly impossible to avoid, when I was growing up, in a town of two hundred souls in rural New England, one seldom heard any colorful language – or backtalk. I do remember our first through fourth grade teacher literally washing out a boy’s mouth with soap once, but I don’t know what he said to warrant that reaction from the teacher. Actually, I’m pretty sure she could have gotten in trouble as corporal punishment was not allowed in Massachusetts schools, but I doubt anyone would have reported it.
Someone did ask me what I would say if I dropped a roast from the oven onto my foot and I were totally alone in the house. I would probably say, “Ouch!” or maybe I would just start crying.
One of the poets thought I should do an assignment: to write a poem with profanity, but that isn’t going to happen. It wouldn’t be true to who I am and I think that that would show. Plus, I wouldn’t be able to read it aloud. I find it difficult, if not impossible to say certain words aloud, even if they are on a page in front of me. Good thing I didn’t get to take acting classes because I would probably be bad at it. I would only be able to play characters who never swear!
As it was, just the discussion had me blushing!
And now you know why my language here at Top of JC’s Mind is so tame…
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This (politely worded) post is part of Linda’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday series. This week’s prompt is “language.” Join us! Find out how here: https://lindaghill.com/2017/05/12/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-1317/
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Top of JC's Mind 
Good for you for standing up for your own character. I swear in my head or when I’m alone or something really makes me angry, but I can’t bring myself to do it in general company. Sometimes I’ll say, “The F word,” when referring to it. When you’ve been taught this from an early age, it’s very hard to change, and we shouldn’t have to. Some people swear so much they don’t even realize when they’re doing it and it can be a detriment in some job situations.
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I admit that it always takes me aback when I hear workplace swearing. It always seems unprofessional to me.
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