Inspired by Wisława Szymborska’s poem and a Queenstown Writers Festival workshop with Liz Breslin

I prefer tea,
but I drink lots of coffee.
I prefer real books,
but any format is fine.

I prefer local red wine.
I prefer parties where no one leaves on time.

I prefer to read the news and
I prefer to make my own opinions, thanks.

I prefer working out for fun.
I prefer gym classes and lone expeditions.
I prefer sore muscles
to letting myself atrophy for no good reason.

I prefer to get up early,
but my body disagrees.
I prefer to stay up late,
but my body disagrees.

I prefer kind-natured sarcasm
to inspirational quotes and I prefer optimistic realism
to unbridled hope.

I prefer candles in
grimy backcountry huts and
I prefer the light
just after the dawn.

I prefer to be alone,
with you. Sometimes.