summayya Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Return I remember being a slow child, always getting the reds. It was my elder sister who led the way and I became the angel. Flying everywhere for the smaller bits and pieces of stuff. My mom’s friend smiled her white teeth at me— I was the angel. And when my father came back from work, we watched TV with God. I thought we were salvaged. Until the clouds gave way to the sun and the rain dropped dead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fader Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 A very interesting poem! It got me thinking! My take on this is of a child looking at life in a fantasy. Letting their imagination help them find their place in the world. I'm sorry if I'm way off on this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenlangur Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Hi summayya, fader is right - the images certainly seem to suggest a child trying to make sense of her/his world. The contrasts in behaviour between the 'elder sister", perhaps a dare-devil and the more subdued "angel" narrator sets up a sense of conflict and tension. The child trying to live up to adult expectations. The image of the "white teeth" of the mother's friend's "smile" carries more than a hint of a forbidding and vigilant adult presence. I wondered, perhaps wrongly, whether the "God" in reference to TV watching was an allusion to mythical episodes on the Asian TV network, which was compulsory family viewing for many youngsters? Here, the child enter s world of miraculous flying, healing, defeating of evil forces. But outside the screen, the world is more mundane and the dark ("clouds") often casts it shadows over light and life ("sun"). Not sure if my reading is off the mark too. But it's good to see you writing again. I hope your recent bout of Writer's block is now over. goldenlangur Quote goldenlangur Even a single enemy is too many and a thousand friends too few - Bhutanese saying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aleksandra Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 I agree with Fader and goldenlangur Summayya. This poem gives different imageries and thoughts, and have far sense. Much enjoying. Thank you for posting again and keep writing Aleksandra Quote The poet is a liar who always speaks the truth - Jean Cocteau History of Macedonia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summayya Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 A very interesting poem! It got me thinking! My take on this is of a child looking at life in a fantasy. Letting their imagination help them find their place in the world. I'm sorry if I'm way off on this one. Not at all my friend. We are all trying to find our place in the world... Not sure how many of us succeed in doing so and who they are. But I wonder if they have some kind of mark that shows they succeeded..... just wondering.... Thanks fader Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summayya Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 fader is right - the images certainly seem to suggest a child trying to make sense of her/his world. The contrasts in behaviour between the 'elder sister", perhaps a dare-devil and the more subdued "angel" narrator sets up a sense of conflict and tension. The child trying to live up to adult expectations. The image of the "white teeth" of the mother's friend's "smile" carries more than a hint of a forbidding and vigilant adult presence. It is so wonderful to have readers like Gl around! You are spot on here. I wondered, perhaps wrongly, whether the "God" in reference to TV watching was an allusion to mythical episodes on the Asian TV network, which was compulsory family viewing for many youngsters? Here, the child enter s world of miraculous flying, healing, defeating of evil forces. But outside the screen, the world is more mundane and the dark ("clouds") often casts it shadows over light and life ("sun"). I guess you are referring to the Hindu mythological presentations on TV, though I am not sure? No this was not a reference to those specifically. It can, however, be given that heroic spirit edge to it. But I admit that I was not thinking on those lines. I wonder, however, how many a times children idolize their parents or elders, worshiping them. And how gradually the gold on their gods fades away... I am coming back on track. Thanks That said many thanks for your review Gl. It is much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summayya Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 I agree with Fader and goldenlangur Summayya. This poem gives different imageries and thoughts, and have far sense. Much enjoying. Thank you for posting again and keep writing Aleksandra Thanks for the read and comments sweet Sandre Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyv Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Hi Summayya, Initially I thought there was a hint of sibling rivalry below the surface of this poem, but then I came to the conclusion that there is no rivalry; the narrator seems to be at peace, and she accepts the way things are. Yes, she was the slow child, but she was also the angel. The love of the parents for the narrator is evident: And when my father came back from work, we watched TV with God. The white-toothed smile is a fresh and powerful image. Tony Quote Here is a link to an index of my works on this site: tonyv's Member Archive topic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenlangur Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Hello again summayya, How poignant this thought : summayya wrote: I wonder, however, how many a times children idolize their parents or elders, worshiping them. And how gradually the gold on their gods fades away... Demythologizing is one of the most painful aspects of life - to find that the reference point we held in our lives to make sense of our world and lives, is no longer ringed in an aura of awesome power and even goodness. But to write of all such experiences is the very creed of a poet and I hope you will continue to explore the full potential of your newly energized voice. goldenlangur Quote goldenlangur Even a single enemy is too many and a thousand friends too few - Bhutanese saying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summayya Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 Hi Summayya, Initially I thought there was a hint of sibling rivalry below the surface of this poem, but then I came to the conclusion that there is no rivalry; the narrator seems to be at peace, and she accepts the way things are. Yes, she was the slow child, but she was also the angel. The love of the parents for the narrator is evident: And when my father came back from work, we watched TV with God. The white-toothed smile is a fresh and powerful image. Tony I am glad this one had some interest for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summayya Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 goldenlangur wrote: Hello again summayya, Demythologizing is one of the most painful aspects of life - to find that the reference point we held in our lives to make sense of our world and lives, is no longer ringed in an aura of awesome power and even goodness. How very true...I like how you mention goodness as well. goldenlangur wrote: But to write of all such experiences is the very creed of a poet and I hope you will continue to explore the full potential of your newly energized voice. Thanks gl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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