Inspired by Jacob Lawrence Migration Series Panel #58

Ms. Haiku
Ms. Haiku Washington DC Posts: 7,382
edited September 2004 in Poetry, Prose, Music & Art
Even the last summer afternoon we
unpacked near the Wilsons' abandoned farm. We
placed blank books on an outspread blanket. We
sharpened pencils and started our lessons.
My oldest sister passed out apples she
picked that morning then narrated dragon
legends. She wrote each word down. My other
sister drew groups of dragons near numbers.
When school started I opened the classroom
door by myself. My sisters placed blank books
and sharpened pencils on my desk then left.
I ran back out the door and followed them.
In the classroom before they left again
they calmed me with numbers they calmed with words.



http://www.whitney.org/jacoblawrence/art/education.html

click for the larger image to see the painting better.
There is no such thing as leftover pizza. There is now pizza and later pizza. - anonymous
The risk I took was calculated, but man, am I bad at math - The Mincing Mockingbird
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • Being Enlightened
    Being Enlightened Posts: 5,746
    :) Thank you so much for taking the time to give me the low down on Jacob Lawrence the other day, Bibliobella! And I really like that you've included the link to your inspiration! Thank you! :)
    Forget your perfect offering, there is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in. - Leonard Cohen
  • grooveamatic
    grooveamatic Posts: 1,374
    This is the kinda stuff I'm really into right now, both reading and (attempting to) write. It seems like a straightforward narrative, almost, but is so much more. The word choice and rhythm are made to sound colloquial and conversational, but so succinct, so touching without manipulating. Color me smitten (with your writing, that is!)
    .........................................................................
  • Ms. Haiku
    Ms. Haiku Washington DC Posts: 7,382
    Hello and thanks! I'm blushing.

    I'm sorry if you received this message already, I thought I sent it, but I can't find it. I like Michael Ondaatje's poetry because it is beautiful writing and he writes stories in his poetry.
    There is no such thing as leftover pizza. There is now pizza and later pizza. - anonymous
    The risk I took was calculated, but man, am I bad at math - The Mincing Mockingbird
  • FinsburyParkCarrots
    FinsburyParkCarrots Seattle, WA Posts: 12,223
    Another fine poem. Thanks for the link too. :)

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