A New Man

Summary

Shawn Forno reflects on a small personal transformation marked by the novel experience of wearing a hat while going to the bathroom, which he feels has changed his identity.

Abstract

In the poem "A New Man," Shawn Forno captures a moment of self-reflection and personal change. At 10:22 am, he dons a green baseball cap while using the restroom, an act that seems to trigger a shift in his perception of self. Upon washing his hands and encountering his own gaze obscured by the hat's brim, he feels as though he has become a new person. This introspective piece, accompanied by Forno's own illustration, ponders the significance of small changes in one's routine and the profound impact they can have on self-identity. Forno, a poet, travel writer, and content manager, invites readers to his website and newsletter for more of his insights and musings on writing and travel.

Opinions

Forno believes that even a minor alteration in routine, such as wearing a hat, can lead to a significant personal transformation.
He suggests that self-perception can be dramatically altered by simple actions, hinting at the idea that identity is fluid and malleable.
The poem implies that personal change may not always be visible or acknowledged by others, emphasizing the internal nature of self-reinvention.
Through the use of humor and introspection, Forno conveys a sense of wonder about the potential for change in everyday life.
The inclusion of his professional links indicates Forno's confidence in his work and his openness to new opportunities as a writer.

I wonder if anyone will notice

Illustration by Shawn Forno for the poem, “A New Man”

This morning, at exactly 10:22 am, I took a poop while wearing a hat for the first time in my life (a green, mesh, baseball cap).

As I washed my hands, I stared at the stranger in the mirror, eyes lost in the shadowy depths beneath the brim.

Everything is different now I know it in my bones. I’m a new man. I wonder if anyone will notice.

Shawn Forno is a freelance travel writer, content manager, poet, and blogger. He loves to talk about himself in the third-person.

You can read (or watch) more at his website or just sign-up for his newsletter and get sweet tips and tricks for writers and travelers sent to your inbox every Friday.

Shawn also told me to tell you he’s always available for more writing work (check out his writing portfolio for more info).

POETRY

A New Man

I wonder if anyone will notice