Week 2, Theme 4

Prompt: a) The list as a means of analysis. Compose a shopping list, or a catalogue of objects, or use a found list of some kind. Then explain the list’s implications, exploring the meaning of the objects listed and the logic of the order of the list. Use Didion as a model if you wish. Or, b) Create an imaginary Google search. Enjoy the incongruities. What does the resulting list suggest about the structure of things in our world? Pay attention to the ways in which language organizes objects and defines their meaning for us.

For Jacob:

· Formula

· Diapers

· Carrot mush

· Pacifier

· Bib

· Highchair

· Action figure

· Picture book

For Chris:

· Filet Mingon

· Stella Artois

· Cheesecake

· Gillette Mach-7 Ultra-Close Shave Razor

· Browns football jersey

· GQ

For Kerri:

· Slimfast

· Prevention

Kerri wandered through the supercenter, looking down the aisles. Produce, bread, meat, frozen, sweets, cleaning, toys. Three weeks ago she was in bed, recovering from her C-section. Chris had been doing the shopping for a while. But September had arrived, and with that football had started – Chris and Jacob had ceased to emerge from the den since then. It was for the best; in those three weeks Kerri had not shrunk from the hippopotamus she had become, but had instead embraced the transformation. It was time for her to retake the helm of the household and herself.

The morning after she returned to the house, Chris had served Kerri heavy cream and toast for breakfast. Kerri had slathered the cream on the bread and devoured it. Now, look at her waddling in front of the cheese aisle. And what of Jacob? Well, that monster – no, angel – that angel had refused to suckle her of the fat she had been storing for him those nine months. She retched as she threw the formula mix into her cart.

Horror upon horrors: Nancy, president of the coop board, approached as Kerri stood in a trance before the ice cream freezer. Her eyes on Stella and the cheesecake, Nancy said, “Kerri! You look, well, healthy.”

Minutes later, Kerri lashed herself over the embarrassment. This wasn’t working. But, how could she continue to justify her ballooned existence? Might as well get pregnant, pop another one out, and try again after that.