A lunchtime announcement in a school often floats above the consciousness of its intended audience. The noise of the playground, conversations among teachers across their often busy lunch break, all diminish the impact of the message. The words become wallpaper. As I sat in a school staff-room on one of my visits, the following announcement was shared over the speakers.
‘If anyone has seen Ruby Delfonzo’s lunch could they bring it to the office please. The lunchbox is bright red with green tipped corners and a bright green handle.’
I grinned as I listened to this brief announcement. For me, it was brimming with potential. It was gold. My mind whirred into action. What a great name, I thought. Ruby Delfonzo sounds like a character in a novel. Distinctive, unforgettable. It's such a strong name. The lunchbox description built a strong visual image. And clearly this was no ordinary lunchbox with its contrasting colours. Probably hard to lose…
RUBY DELFONZO’S LUNCHBOX IS MISSING
Ruby Delfonzo’s lunch box is missing
And Ruby Delfonzo is barking mad
Who took my lunchbox?
Who took my lunchbox?
WHO TOOK MY…
-Oh, there it is.
Alan j Wright
It is yet again, Poetry Friday and our host this week is Ruth Bowen Hersey. Ruth shares an ode to the wonderful science of taxonomy.
There are those days in a school when the funniest things happen, and only poets notice, like you, Alan. "Ruby Delfonzo" will linger in my brain! Happy Weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. Being a keen observer- even with our ears, is important for we poets.
DeleteOh, my goodnes...you really have to put a laugh warning at the top of your posts . I typically read in the early morning hours before my house wakes up. But, I laughed out loud at this. LOL! Great short poem...and so on point with all the other Valerie Worth poems this week. Planned or serendipity?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. Glad my litte poem burst upon your day in such a dramatic way. The Valerie Worth connection was serendipitous, but most welcome.
DeleteI love your pre-poem description, Alan. Ruby Delfonzo IS a strong name. Love the poem you have shared.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tricia. I'm glad you appreciated the back story.
DeleteSo wonderful to breathe life into Ruby Delfonzo. I love that she has a big loud voice - and speaks before she looks (like someone else I know). :)
ReplyDeleteRuby Delfonzo has quite a strong presence, Patricia.
DeleteThis is Janice. I love this poem, Alan, and the picture and poem made me laugh. How many times have I gone high anxiety after losing something only to find it in an obvious place! I often think about names of characters in books and Ruby could definitely be one. Thanks Alan.
ReplyDeleteGlad you appreciated the humour, Janice. I think we've all done a Ruby at some point.
DeleteAlan, what a sweet poem! I love Ruby Delfonzo. I think she should be a character in a book. (Although I don't know how the real Ruby is, you have given her bags of personality here.) I like that red lunchbox with the green contrasts--it could be another poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denise. Who knows... maybe the continuing adventures of Ruby Delfonzo.
ReplyDeleteI love this--it made me smile with its emotional fluctuation. It's so great when a small moment inspires you like this!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura. Small moments are mightily influencial if we tune into them and recognize their untold potential. Glad my words madde you smile.
DeleteLove your poem Alan, and Ruby image too! Poor Ruby hope her lunch box found her… As it does in your poem. All the descriptive elements sang out to me too, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank Michelle. The real Ruby did find her lunch box -a happy reunion. Glad you enjoyed Ruby's moments.
Deleteha ha -- this really captures that elementary school energy SO WELL!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz. Yes, the school level does have a most distinctive vibe to it, so I'm pleased you identified that.
Delete