My submission to Magpie 44. (Magpie photo at bottom of this post) Click HERE to see other entries. This is actually my 2nd version - I need to learn to massage a poem, alter and ponder the words, and make changes before I post it. I have submitted this to Wednesday's One Shot Poetry. Click HERE to see other entries - you won't be disappointed if you do.
Life's Run
Grant me a moment to indulge in reminiscence, of
An earlier time displayed by this fading image of youth.
A moment to relive the joy of exuberant bumps,
Unexpected bounces, graceful glides and surprising finishes.
Vigor slowly seeping from these hands of mine, I
Fondly recall their firmness and courage as they
grasped the Roman shield of life and descended
Life's hill, engaging in battle, in search of just rewards.
My heart faintly beats with fond recollection of
Youthful force careening and bold.
Strength of convictions and destiny held the
Keys to reason, untutored but sure.
I preferred the path of a clipper, sporting and fearless
No dainty cutter, I. Cherubs and beauty no lure, that is
Until knocked off, tumbling and lost half way in life.
Grasping for a hold, seeking a descent, controlled and safe.
Steadying and slowing the pace of life, your
sweetness and joy created newfound momentum.
As unique a design hand-painted on dear Rosebud, you
A cutter after all I rode, with new precious cargo aboard.
A twisting of the previously "foreseen" path, I proudly
Showcased you, my "top-of-the-line" model, steerable by small degree.
A bit of a wild ride ensued on your very own red painted Flyer
Gradually my own runners worn, I watched you speed ahead.
Gliding towards the finish line, heart-bounty secured,
My life's force grateful and content, with
Vintage paint crackling, vibrant no longer, I
Resplendently slide to a stop, anticipating the ascent.
by Margaret Bednar
The above photos are ones I found in my boxes that desperately need organization. The top is of my oldest sister who passed away when I was two years of age. The poem is obviously not about her, nor anyone actually - just made up in my head. The bottom is my husband with two of his brothers - he is sandwiched in between. I think this is my first unstructured poem - not rhyming or counting syllables. Not sure what it is called... freeform?
When researching for the above poem, I learned that Roman soldiers used their shields to sled down hills during battle. In the late 1800's and early - mid 1900's, sleds were designed specifically for boys (clippers) low slung and fast, and for girls (cutters) dainty and "safer". "Rosebud" is a reference to a line in the movie "Citizen Kane"... Many say this is one of the best movies of all time... Before mass production, many sleds had hand-painted designs - and this is what makes them highly collectable today. The "Flexible Flyer" was one of the first sleds that touted some control with steering.
Magpie Photo courtesy of Tess Kincaid who ALWAYS supplies awesome reference images.
26 comments:
Beautiful, Margaret....aren't those old photos fun to look at.
You wrote about life's run beautifully.
Incredibly poignant.
A wonderful poem and beautiful photos, Margaret - brings back some of my own memories!
A lovely posting, Margaret. I enjoyed your ride and everything you put into it! Happy Holidays to you and your family.
nicely done and with priceless photos to boot!
Thanks for sharing your memories and thoughts
Great photos Margaret.
Thanks for your advice on my alphabet. I redid and reposted so see what you think.
My son lives in Cary. They had a good snow. Did you?
Love it. Great pictures and a poem. Very good imagery. Loved them all.
Carol, I sat way too long looking at the boxes of old photos. Some of my Grandmother in yellowstone at the beginning of the century!! Will share those someday!
Bee & Leah, Very glad you enjoyed it... I changed a few paragraphs since your first reading.
Rosie, Maybe bringing back memories is a huge part of what art is - a reason people gravitate toward an image or a subject, perhaps?
George, A bit of a rocky ride, as I "tightened" and hopefully improved the poem after you read it. Poetry is so new to me, but I love the challenge.
Kathew, the poem was not based on any memory or happening, but the two photos of mine certainly were a trip down memory lane!
Mary Lou, That you even seek my advice is very, very amazing to me. Yes, we got a good snow, but I am enjoying seeing it melt away as well!
Patty Ann, Thank you - I really tried to tie in all aspects of the sled and sledding to the poem. I find myself thinking about words even after the poem is "finished".
Very nice post... as if we were there with you, even if you weren't!
Very nice. I'm sad to hear about your sister. She looked so much like you.
A lovely extended image! Well done!
I like the nostalgic feel of this poem.
And give me free verse any day!
who hid that story for us to find
how lovely the photographs and the poem are, a wonderful post.
Dear Carol:
"bit of a wild ride ensued on your very own red painted Flyer"
What a great collection of poetry, photography and history of the sled! Oh to be young and innocent as the beautiful children in these snapshots! A treat!
Oh Margaret ... I have a box like yours filled to overflowing with precious photos of days long gone! Thank you for sharing this lovely freeform with us.
Wonderful imagery in words and photos! A true delight to read.
The poem was amazing. Wonderful story told. I loved the Roman shield of life.
I loved the addition of the beautiful photos.
Reflections, that may be the best compliment ever ... that you felt like you were there. Thank you.
Tess, Yes, and she was an amazing artist by the age of 8. I have some of her drawings and creations framed on my walls at home.
Vicki, thank you! It was a fun stretch for me - I like to think all this brain exercise burns calories..!?
Gautami, I thought free verse would be easier, but I found it has it's own complications - and I had to edit a lot - which is always painful at first.
Justine, The photos were nostalgic, but the story was completely made up. But what fun I had looking through that box of childhood photos...
Chiccoreal, Not all children are sweet and innocent (I read your version of this prompt!) . The innocence of childhood is to be cherished and protected.
Helen, Thank you. My photos are growing, but mostly on SD chips and computers! Makes it a little easier - but not quite as fun to go through...
Tumblewords, I'm glad it was delightful. That really makes me happy to hear!
Cosmos, It is fun to see what lines/words people enjoy. I really liked the Roman shield as well - life is a battle at times, right? Thanks for your kinds words.
very nice...i have fond memories of sledding and it definitely makes for a great metaphor as well...nice pics too...
i enjoyed the sledge ride you took us on...and i loved the photos
history, family, poetry. good post :-) thanks for sharing.
love this
Brian Miller - Thank you. Well, really thanks to Tess Kincaid of Willow Manor. I would never have written this if not for her prompt.
Claudia - Those photos are special. Such sweet faces, some no longer with us...
Nance Marie - Thanks! I love when a poem blends history and family together.
ACEBiggaveli - I am so glad you LOVE it! Really makes my day. :)
Dear Margaret
Its so beautiful.. and I think it has been 'massaged' quite well...;-) I liked it so much.
thanks for sharing...
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
http://shadowdancingwithmind.blogspot.com/2011/02/whispers-another-kind-of-valentines-day.html
Shashi - thank you. The older I get, the more I realize to slow down and relish the "ride". It will all come to an end soon enough without our racing to the finish line. Sort of like "stop and smell the roses" while you can. This poem was a labor of love, that's for sure. I'm glad you liked it.
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