Both of these poems carried me so directly into the child's world you're describing. I feel like I always say that, but it's always true. The hut reminds me of secret hiding places I used to make, and ones I've seen my own children make. The second poem reminds me of Ray Bradbury's short stories that are about the utter delights of childhood (sometimes the childhood stories had sci-fi components too, but not always).
Did we all make those little nests for ourselves? I think sometimes we did. And oh my, to have reminded you of Ray Bradbury is an enchanting compliment. His writing about children and childhood was remarkable. Thank you, Margaret Ann! 💛🌿
I love reading poetry that is about my own experience as these pieces are. I've been in that hut, although ours was made of boards hammered together by old nails and we had to go up a rickety old ladder into the tree if we wanted to go to the fancy second level. It's interesting that back then none of the adults every checked out our second story of the child-made structure to see if we would survive, they just let us roll!
My favorite line today is 'politely, scarcely missed'. Linking those words together evokes so much, well done!
Thanks, Donna! It's amazing we survived our semi-supervised childhoods, isn't it? And I'm glad you caught "politely, scarcely missed;" there's not enough poetry in the world yet that describes the lives and hearts of introverted children, but I'm working on it. 🙃
“Frail and study,and mine, all mine”…
I love this description of your childhood and your creativity in finding a protected safe space.
You are still the bestower of delight, Elizabeth. Your poems glint with childhood magic. 💛
What a lovely thing to say, Fotini! Thank you, thank you.
Both of these poems carried me so directly into the child's world you're describing. I feel like I always say that, but it's always true. The hut reminds me of secret hiding places I used to make, and ones I've seen my own children make. The second poem reminds me of Ray Bradbury's short stories that are about the utter delights of childhood (sometimes the childhood stories had sci-fi components too, but not always).
Did we all make those little nests for ourselves? I think sometimes we did. And oh my, to have reminded you of Ray Bradbury is an enchanting compliment. His writing about children and childhood was remarkable. Thank you, Margaret Ann! 💛🌿
Oh, I’m glad it’s a compliment for you! I love his short stories so much. His writing is so rich and gorgeous.
What a pleasure it is to read this and be placed there again, among those kids. That's magic, to bring us into your hut, thanks.
Welcome in the hut any time, Weston. Bring your own book (or whittling knife).
🥲
Beautifully written, both of them.
Thank you, Donald -- I'm glad you enjoyed them.
I love reading poetry that is about my own experience as these pieces are. I've been in that hut, although ours was made of boards hammered together by old nails and we had to go up a rickety old ladder into the tree if we wanted to go to the fancy second level. It's interesting that back then none of the adults every checked out our second story of the child-made structure to see if we would survive, they just let us roll!
My favorite line today is 'politely, scarcely missed'. Linking those words together evokes so much, well done!
Thanks, Donna! It's amazing we survived our semi-supervised childhoods, isn't it? And I'm glad you caught "politely, scarcely missed;" there's not enough poetry in the world yet that describes the lives and hearts of introverted children, but I'm working on it. 🙃
Those words also apply to me as an adult!
Who do introverted children grow up to be ... ? 🤔
Lovely lovely lovely…as usual.
Thank you
Thank you for reading so faithfully, Shari.
I adore these, Elizabeth. I can picture the girl in these poems so clearly. They remind me of myself. These lines are stunning:
… you are the pied piper,
the enchantress, you with your round belly and too-loud voice
and one friend at a time, you are the bestower of delight, …
I always look forward to Wednesday!
Thank you so much, LeeAnn! 💛🌿