Use a poem or prose we wrote many years ago (preferably one that wasn't one of our best) and rewrite it!
The year was 1955
Daddy shuttled me to flute lessons
overnights with girlfriends .. requisite teenage parties
in our 1932 Dodge
"the Dodge" polished to a sheen, in pristine condition
[ though that fact was lost on me ]
a 'full-of-myself' eighth grader
ready for High School - The Big Time "
little did I know
my embarrassment was misplaced
no need to crouch on the floorboards
should I see anyone I knew
in reality I was the envy of my chums
their dads never drove them .. anywhere
they loved that car .. and my Dad
sixty seven years later .. my friends still talk about
Daddy and the Dodge
Oh how true and how wonderful. Beautifully written leading me along in the story, relating to each feeling.
ReplyDeleteOh, lovely story and lovely rewrite!
ReplyDeleteAww---that is so sweet, Helen. A lovely story, well written. Much enjoyed. K. (Manicddaily)
ReplyDeleteOh, what a lovely lovely story!
ReplyDeleteThe rewrite provide us with a wee bit more details, and the original is already a good poem. :)
I love both versions, Helen. I relate to your poem quite well. My dad had a funky green Chevrolet truck that I loved riding in but not seen in with my dad driving. Just being a silly 7th grader, I was.
ReplyDeleteHelen, that above anonymous comment ( Chevy truck) was made by me. I’ll get a hang of Blogger comments yet! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely memory!
ReplyDeleteYour Dad sounds like a real sweetie. Loved the rewrite
ReplyDelete"a 'full-of-myself' eighth grader" doesn't that just say it all? What a wonderful dad.
ReplyDeleteOh this is so much richer now! The teenage mortification and your father's sweet nature really come through beautifully.
ReplyDeleteEmbarrassment to envy, I love the change in perspective, how we first saw it and how we look back on it.
ReplyDelete