Roisin Markham

Reflecting on my poems about the mundane I remembered I like Tofu.

I got up on Friday and made Tofu fried rice for breakfast, it was delicious. But the layering in of the flavours – coconut oil, onion, garlic, coriander, powdered vegetable bullion, courgette, tofu, soya sauce and turmeric buttered rice – is what brings deliciousness to the tofu. Out of the box it can be smooth or textured it is just one ingredient which needs added flavour. It soaks it up perfectly and reflects it back.

Like a blank canvas it supports the palette laid on top of it.

There is a lot of time to think, slow down, potter about the place in our new slowed down Covid reality. It feels very unproductive but it’s what I need to deal with this lockdown. Are you busy or pacing yourself?

I feel slightly suspended but weirdly my reflections and noticing are part of my day and not just at designated times of mindful practices, gardening or studio time. This feels good.

The last few days I’ve been thinking about domesticity, motherhood and my relationship with both.

This is a complex geometry of my identity. All women’s identity change through their lives. Our biology brings the biggest changes and with it seismic shifts in identity.

Well this is true for me, is it true for you?

I still battle with the mundane and domesticity it’s a love/hate relationship.