Chickadees
Behold the humble Chickadee
who shouts his name from yonder tree
and flits about from branch to branch
exclaiming so excitedly.
You’ll find him near the suburb’s ranch,
or places where your heart might blanch,
like urban stockyard, arctic waste,
in mountains near the avalanche.
He will not to the nectar haste,
for seeds are much more to his taste;
with privet berries for dessert,
I hear the voice of melancholy as the world changes, and time works its inexorable will on everything. You tell it out simply and clearly. It is very effective.
This story leaves so much to weep for, and so much untold. Is Jarrod right to give Arnie the chance he asks for? Can Arnie work to deserve that chance? What did Arnie get from Gary that Jarrod did not? You tell this tale so well, because I feel a need to know more.
What a wonderful connection you made to the Velveteen Rabbit. That is one of my favorite tales. And while it did not make the poem, the Black Painted Rocker has 'rabbit ears' as part of its back. You are right that the old black rocker creaks very softly, very subtly, in motion. Thank you so much for reading these and for your wonderful comments.
The title was irresistible. Glad it brought a smile to you. If these four brought your own good memories forward, then I am doubly happy in both our recollections. Number three was started by grandmother, then completed by a great aunt and then mother, neither of whom got to use the chair very much. But their work turned out quite beautifully, and one can be grateful for it. Thank you so much for reading these and for your comments.
You are very kind to read these four, and to comment on them so. Rocking chairs cannot help but soothe and comfort, though in different ways. These particular four have made connections at varied stations in life. Thank you very much for making time for these.
Yes, real furniture is made to last; as long as the stories that it can tell, as beautiful as the light and laughter and love it absorbs over the years. Perhaps your rocker with your sister surrounds her with memories of you. That’s no bad thing. I am glad you liked these, and may your reflections bring you contentment and smiles.
I’m very glad this form calls out to you, too. There are stories in each of these rocking chairs, more than I’ll ever know. But for now, I will enjoy them, poetry sketchbook in my lap. Thank you very much for reading these.
1. The Child’s Rocker
Three brown-eyed brothers shared with me their books:
Babar, Just so Stories, Winnie-the-Pooh,
tucked into one of several cozy nooks;
but each of them, in time, my size outgrew,
while passing years abused my modest looks
and so it seemed my usefulness was through.
From dusty attic rescued recently,
I’m waiting for a boy to read to me.
2. The Black Painted Rocker
I’m used to babies
You’re very kind to comment on A to Z. It’s really nice to know there are new readers still coming to know Andy, Zander, and the many others whose lives they touched. If you enjoyed the story, that’s what matters most to me. Thank you for reading.