Many years ago I hit a wall of exhaustion from a slew of story rejections and needed to laugh. Using a handful of the most condescending form rejection letters I had ever received, I wrote a comedy piece about how rejection letters can feel bizarrely and excruciatingly personal. I can’t tell you how much fun this exercise was. Some of you will have already read this piece, but others have not, so I’m republishing it here today. Enjoy!
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Dear Meg Pokrass,
Thank you for sending your warmth and radiance to me here. I am sorry this particular needs-episode (with emphasis on "this particular") was not selected for further exploration. I hope you will send more lust soon, though. I could not continue without the many fine lustings I receive. And while I regret that the large number of women makes it difficult to respond personally, I want to stress that I personally like your energy. Devoted women-testing is part of my manly mission; it is also a very personal one.
Dear Meg Pokrass,
Thank you for submitting your breasts to our evening last night. Your cleavage has been carefully considered, but unfortunately I've decided not to explore further. That said, remember that I am a fan of women in general; my tastes, biases, and opinions are just tastes, biases, and opinions. I reject women for many reasons: they don't fit the tone of the season, they don't balance physically, or (because we strive for diversity) they are enjoyable but too similar to other women.
Dear Meg Pokrass,
I enjoyed touching your soul last night, but unfortunately it didn't work for me, so I'll have to say no. I get a lot of woman-soul and can only use a fraction of what I get, so please understand that this “No” most likely means "Not Quite the Right Fit," not "No Good."
Thanks for thinking of me as a possible home for you.
Dear Meg Pokrass,
Thank you for trying me. I am a little perplexed by your personality. The subjects you talk about indicate "Mom's Friend" has too long been your role in life, but your kisses are more like "A Winning Team". Did I miss something?
I've decided to pass on you this time. You just aren't exactly what I'm seeking with this issue. Good luck elsewhere, and please consider me again.
Dear Meg Pokrass,
I regret to say that you do not suit my look and feel at this time. I hope you'll try again soon. I've been loving women since 1982 and it is women like you who keep me loving women like you. Without sexy women, I'd no longer exist. Please spread the word!
Brilliant!
I've received a few of these lately, and they did feel like "After an extenuating session of haruspicy, the gods have decreed that this isn't right for us." But I liked your versions better—so funny. I loved how you turned those generic rejection letters into this. I laughed out loud a few times, with gems like "I've been loving women since 1982 and it is women like you who keep me loving women like you." :)