We write with our ears said, Ralph Fletcher -and Ralph is right.
Last week, I overheard a cafe conversation- I do this a lot. They provide classic collectables, constantly stimulating and sparking writing ideas. It went like this...
A woman walks into the cafe where her friend is waiting. The friend inquires-
'Where's Keith?'
'Oh, he's at home. I left him to his own devices....'
That was all I needed to hear. My mind came alive with possibilities. I rehearsed words and then I opened my notebook and began to trap some words. Keith morphed into Gordon and everything followed on from that point.
Gordon's Love Of Gadgets
Gordon loved his telescope
His microscope
His gyroscope
Gordon loved his electric mower
His leaf blower
His seed sower
Gordon loved his Android phone
His trombone
His grindstone
Madeline, his long suffering spouse of thirty years
Eventually ran out of tears
So neglected, so alone
Flew the coop, departed home
Gordon wedded to his vices
Was duly left
to his own devices…
Alan j Wright
It is Poetry Friday and this week our host is Buffy Silverman, who writes about the eagerness of winter to take the stage in her part of the U.S. With photographs and a poem she paints the scene.
The double meaning of "devices" here is really fun. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah. I do enjoy indulging in wordplay. It delivers much satisfaction when writing.
DeleteHa! Love where you went with this and how you got there...and of course a great message and reminder for all of us to value our human connections and to be present. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you noticed the process, Irene. It's such an interesting part of the writing journey.
DeleteAlan, you had me at "Last week ,I overheard a cafe conversation -- I do this a lot." It was fun imagining you in a cafe listening to conversations, and it made me want to try it. Your resulting poem made me laugh aloud!
ReplyDeleteIt is so fortunate that we poets have a licence to eavesdrop, Tracey. Have fun with your collecting. Glad my poem evoked a laugh.
DeleteAlan, you made a whole film from one snippet of a line! Gordon came alive and I can still see him putzing in his dimly lit garage unaware that the cat needs fed and his wife left.
ReplyDeletePatricia, these tiny fragments, these brief encounters lend themselves to embellishment. I was able to let my imagination fly. Such fun.
DeleteAh, poor Gordon (or maybe it's poor Madeline!) Love how your overheard conversation led to this poem, which speaks so clearly to our time.
ReplyDeleteA couple lost to each other- a sad outcome ultimately. Madeline, I feel, deserved better. And you're correct, Buffy it does to some degree speak about these times and the self imposed isolation that many surround themselves with. More food for thought there...
DeleteFirst, I like the photo illustration, words incoming! And, I'm not sure whether to feel sorriest for Madeline or Gordon, but awareness seems to go to Madeline. Connections languishing from devices feels so tragic & you've shown it beautifully, Alan.
ReplyDeleteMadeline has my support. She reached the end of her considerable tolerance. Linda, your comment about languishing connection is most pertinent. Thank you for your thought provoking response.
DeleteFrom a conversation you built a clever and fun poem, Alan. I am impressed with your creative move to create this poem
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol. It is always energizing when an idea presents and you are more than ready to grab it and run. The spark lit the moment, I heard those words. Couldn't wait to make something of it.
DeleteLove your wordplay, Alan, and thanks for sharing your process of rehearsing words, then trapping them. A snippet of conversation worth its weight in gold.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rose. I agree strongly about the value of snippets and those essential small moments that provoke us.
DeleteSo fun! I feel like it needs that "ba-da-BOOM shhhh" that people say when a joke lands with a perfect 10. Well played. Well listened, as Ralph might say.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary Lee. I hope Ralph would like my response too.
DeleteThis made me laugh. I have to show this poem to my friend whose significant other is an engineer with tons of gadgets. Of course, women have obsessions too. :). Janice
ReplyDeleteLaughter is good, Janice. You are right in stating the fact we all have our obsessions. The challenge for all of us is to retain harmony between the competing callings within our lives.
DeleteSnippet perfectly snagged and then unleashed by your vivid imagination! You are the master, Alan. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bridget for your alliterative response. You are most kind.
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