Favorite Book (Poem) (With Elephants)
Favorite Book
The page was a palm
on heart’s forehead, a familiar bed,
sheet rumpled to my shape, spine
drawing a line
against the banged slam
of demand, flared inhalation
of expectation, the vacuum cleaner
that sucked up every crumb. The words,
like an animal that mothers the misplaced young,
kept me as their own.
************************************
Here’s a short poem written for a With Real Toads prompt by the stiletto-sharp Mama Zen about a safe place. The challenge required a poem, I think, of 53 words or less. (This qualifies without the title.) And guess what–with the title, it’s 55 – so I’d ask you to also tell the G-Man.
(I’m not sure that the pic really goes with the poem, but I like the pic. Here’s another one – also not quite right for the poem but also one I kind of like. As always, all rights reserved.)
Tags: a book in bed, drawing of elephant reading in bed, elephant with book in bed, http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com, manicddaily, poem about childhood favorite books, safe place poem, short poetry
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ManicDDaily 
May 30, 2013 at 3:18 pm
What a lovely, graceful and in-drawing first line, k. And that sucking sound of expectation that vacuums the soul hollow…a favorite book is a friend that is always there–comfort and understanding–yes, can definitely relate to this one. (And your drawings make me wish I had a trunk to hold my Kindle, so the hand-joints could rest. Who would’ve thought when young that reading a book could ever make something hurt. ;_) )
May 30, 2013 at 3:21 pm
I’m so sorry about your joints! I do find the Kindle is so nice for my eyes at least. Thanks. k.
May 31, 2013 at 10:05 am
Yes, it has spoiled me for real books, which thoughtlessly don’t let you enlarge the print. The joints do respond to Aleve, but long reading sessions in bed just seem like they ought to be completely pain free–however, after 60, nothing is, so no biggie. ;_) Have a great weekend, k. And I like the girly elephant.
May 31, 2013 at 10:20 am
That’s terrible. I have simplest kindle–very rudimentary – so fairly light. I’m pretty lucky in terms of joints, I think, and also not over 60. Much to look forward to, I guess. k.
May 30, 2013 at 3:22 pm
PS – that second elephant is awfully girly! It’s an old drawing though, and I like it despite the frippery. k.
May 30, 2013 at 3:44 pm
there are books that are just like that…i found hold in books during childhood years.. esp. enid blyton books were like a safe harbour…love that first elephant pic so much
May 30, 2013 at 3:46 pm
Thanks so much, Claudia! I should read those. k.
May 30, 2013 at 3:56 pm
The words,
like an animal that mothers the misplaced young…ha…love that line k…and books have always been my refuge, my safe place…ha and i have fallen asleep in the same position as that pic…smiles.
May 30, 2013 at 6:50 pm
Really love it! Like the imagery too. Also, the line, “like an animal that mothers the misplaced young,”. Fitting :D! Keep it up.
May 30, 2013 at 7:55 pm
Oh, yes! This is perfect!
May 30, 2013 at 8:23 pm
Thanks, MZ. They are not da Vincis, but cutish. k.
May 30, 2013 at 8:21 pm
Perfectly enchanting! Smiles!
May 30, 2013 at 8:23 pm
Thanks so much, Jamie. k.
May 30, 2013 at 8:26 pm
The elephant drawings are adorable– they do go with your poem, especially the last lines, so lovely 🙂
May 30, 2013 at 8:26 pm
Thanks so much, Loredana.
May 30, 2013 at 8:40 pm
Everyone has already described how I feel about this poem and the adorable elephants. “Delighted” is the word that springs to mind here.
K
May 30, 2013 at 9:43 pm
Thanks, K. K(!)
May 30, 2013 at 9:25 pm
Enchanting, yes .. and adorable and whimsical. I love your art and your words!!!
May 30, 2013 at 9:43 pm
Thanks so much, Helen. k.
On Thu, May 30, 2013 at 10:25 PM, ManicDDaily
May 30, 2013 at 10:25 pm
“the words kept me as their own”. Awe, I can relate to this as I was quite the reader as a child (and still am). The second drawing makes me think of my daughter spending the whole day on her bed reading Harry Potter – very sweet.
May 30, 2013 at 11:04 pm
Cool drawings! And the poem is lovely. Books (especially the much-loved, much-read ones) are magic.
May 30, 2013 at 11:58 pm
Elephants ~ Yay! ~ they are so appealing k. The poem is lovely ~ so evocative
May 31, 2013 at 12:44 am
I had many books that were my safe place….lovely piece
May 31, 2013 at 5:58 am
That is so beautifully expressed…I wish I had written this!
May 31, 2013 at 6:09 am
Thanks so much. k.
July 6, 2013 at 1:22 pm
You’re welcome.
May 31, 2013 at 9:48 am
wonderful. you’ve really called-in a full experience, opening with those first two lines. the page was a palm reminded me of having a fever and being comforted by a palm feeling my forehead. In your closure, the words like an animal –so fitting. Mother love and book love merge with conviction. lovely lovely.
May 31, 2013 at 10:51 am
Yes, that was what I was going for in terms of the palm. Thanks so much. k.
May 31, 2013 at 10:43 am
I just love this – every word was sucked up by my own internal vacuum-cleaner which is rather partial to delicious words and the sounds they make when spoken.
May 31, 2013 at 10:50 am
Ha. Thanks, Kerry. You are very kind. I really found your poem with the lost mother and dog very poignant. k.
May 31, 2013 at 1:31 pm
Karin….
Welcome back to the Friday Funfest
Notice I didn’t come a calling last week due to your Non-Participation
I’ve outgrown my guilt trips…hehehehe
Loved your story as all voracious readers would
You are so creative and talented and observing.
Thanks for playing, and have a Kick Ass Week-End