An Orphan’s Poem
Poetry | Posted by Jannie on 16 August 2011 @ 1:50 PM 83 Comments
when angels finally sweep down to this
attic where we wait with our boxes of snow
and our avalanches of stale corn muffins
when we take to their ship and we sail
our feathers and our rags into tapestries
of golden silk and silver chandelier
when our boomerangs of hope return
on wings of chocolate cake baked by mothers
who smell sweeter than Easter morning rain
when we fly free from this rusted turret,
our cardboard tiaras and nametags forgotten,
love at last will be only song that sings us
One weird little poem for you, linked to Open Link Night over at dVerse Poetry.
(The orphan out front was our Kelly playing the role of Molly in a KidsActing “Annie” production a few years ago.)
On 16 August 2011 at 2:02 pm brian said,
the only song that sings us…very nice..gotta watch those boomerangs though they will hit you up side the head…smiles. great to see you at dverse jannie!
On 16 August 2011 at 2:03 pm Pat Hatt said,
Poem worked really well, first thing that popped into my head was Annie and that’s what it was based off of..haha…nicely done.
On 16 August 2011 at 2:04 pm Steve E said,
I sure like “weird”…and I like “Boomerangs of hope…”
Jannie. you’re a ‘keeper’ -grin
PEACE!
On 16 August 2011 at 2:07 pm ayala said,
Very lovely, Jannie. I loved your comment the other day…you are so sweet
xoxo
On 16 August 2011 at 2:12 pm david waters said,
this was magical….
On 16 August 2011 at 2:22 pm kelly said,
I really liked this, full of luscious imagery…
“when our boomerangs of hope return
on wings of chocolate cake”
On 16 August 2011 at 2:27 pm Aimee said,
“cardboard tiaras and forgotten nametags” — I love the imagery Jannie. Good stuff!
On 16 August 2011 at 2:29 pm Lynn said,
“mothers who smell sweeter than Easter morning rain” – that’s lovely, Jannie. xo
On 16 August 2011 at 2:31 pm Claudia said,
what a sad, touching and hopeful write….wings of chocolate cake baked by mothers
who smell sweeter than Easter morning rain… this is just delicious jannie
On 16 August 2011 at 2:46 pm hedgewitch said,
Lyric and lilting little piece, Jannie. I love the image of the boxes/costumes/contents/children all waiting to rise in a celestial and gourmet delight, and the orphans sung finally in love.
On 16 August 2011 at 2:48 pm Arron Shilling said,
Hey
You really found a flow and the word play led the way – a sweet write and an enjoyable read
Arron
On 16 August 2011 at 2:54 pm Jannie said,
Dearest Friends Of Poetic Heart, I just want to say THANKS SO MUCH for all your words here.
I had fun writing this poem, and am looking forward to chocolate cake later!
And now… back to reading more of your dVerse offerings.
xoxoox
On 16 August 2011 at 2:59 pm Carys said,
This poem reminded me of a book I read many years ago ‘Flowers in the Attic.’ Such a poignant piece, particularly
cardboard tiaras and forgotten nametags
On 16 August 2011 at 3:15 pm Dark Angel said,
This reminds me of the scene in the movie The Little Princess, where the two little orphans in the attic turn their imaginings into reality. Instead of starving in rags they feast on sausages and teacakes in lace dresses with tiaras.
On 16 August 2011 at 3:20 pm Anna Montgomery said,
Went straight to the heart on this one:
our cardboard tiaras and nametags forgotten
love at last will be only song that sings us
Well, that’s as touching a benediction as I’ve heard in a long time. Thank you.
On 16 August 2011 at 3:26 pm Joanne Elliott aka soulsprite said,
Lovely! I smell that sweet Easter rain.
On 16 August 2011 at 3:54 pm bmackenzie said,
love that first stanza….from angels to corn muffins…..bkm
On 16 August 2011 at 3:58 pm sheila said,
Annie? What a great shot! And a great poem, cool – not weird!
On 16 August 2011 at 4:02 pm Mama Zen said,
This is beautiful, Jannie!
On 16 August 2011 at 4:04 pm Daydreamertoo said,
This is lovely. Sad, Little Orphan Annie because there are so many orphans, too.
Lovely, heartfelt prose.
On 16 August 2011 at 4:44 pm wolfsrosebud said,
we often forget about the little lost ones… nice
On 16 August 2011 at 4:48 pm lori said,
I think this is lovely, Jannie. And, that last stanza is a perfect ending
On 16 August 2011 at 5:03 pm Window Lad said,
..i love boomerangs of hope and the many luscious words you put in here.. thanks for the opportunity of tasting your poem.. i like the photo too!(:
Brightest blessings!
~Kelvin
On 16 August 2011 at 5:09 pm C Rose said,
The hope that shines in each stanza is so wonderfully created, the dreamer in it is nice ~ Rose
On 16 August 2011 at 5:18 pm Je Hesch said,
Not weird, it’s lovely and, ultimately, hopeful. All of the bits and pieces of imagination of lonely little girls were magical.
On 16 August 2011 at 5:21 pm Jannie said,
My Dearest Sweet Angel Peeps,
Your comments are even lovelier that the rice krispie square I just wolfed down here at Starbucks. Okay — I ate TWO of them but shhhhh, don’t tell.
And the dVerse poetry has inspired me to write a poem called “The Ghost In My Computer.”
Speaking of the dVerse peeps, I think I’ll jump back on the coaster and hop to a few more poems whilst The Child is at gymnastics.
here goes…..
xooxoxoxoxo
On 16 August 2011 at 5:48 pm Fred said,
Jannie, this poem is great in the way it works with imagination, especially as to the point of view. Really enjoyed the piece. Thanks for sharing on OLN at D’verse
On 16 August 2011 at 6:04 pm Charles Elliott aka Beautyseer said,
I hope “Orphan Molly” still thinks you “smell sweeter than Easter morning rain”!
On 16 August 2011 at 6:11 pm Kavita said,
A sweet and a very moving read, Jannie dear.. it read like a heartfelt wish of a child.. and it simply touched my heart.. lovely!
On 16 August 2011 at 7:16 pm colleen said,
I like the sad old things forgotten in the attic juxtaposed with orphans.
On 16 August 2011 at 8:36 pm Henry Clemmons said,
You bout made me cry. From the beautiful photo to your words. Very touching. Sometimes I think there is a lil orphan note in al of us, and you struck mine tonight. Excellent write. I enjoyeed this greatly.
http://henryclemmons.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/i-just-dream/#comments
On 16 August 2011 at 9:01 pm Sharp Little Pencil said,
“Mothers who smell sweeter than Easter morning rain…” Jannie, this is too sweet to bear. The song of orphans everywhere, and so many waiting for loving arms. Lovely writing, simply lovely. Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/whose-side-are-they-on-now/
On 16 August 2011 at 9:28 pm Nara Malone said,
Lovely. The last line really brings it all home.
On 16 August 2011 at 9:42 pm Daisy said,
Boomerangs of hope–I love that.
Neat picture of the orphans too!
On 16 August 2011 at 9:44 pm laurie kolp said,
Beautiful and sad, especially the third stanza… I love the ending.
On 16 August 2011 at 10:49 pm Mark said,
Love is never weird, and better than any kind of chocolate.
On 16 August 2011 at 11:54 pm oceangirl said,
i enjoyed it. thank you jannie.
On 16 August 2011 at 11:55 pm Talon said,
Beautiful, Jannie. That photo is priceless! xxx
On 17 August 2011 at 12:25 am Kingofnewyorkhacks said,
Brilliant as always Jannie…Annie was the first Broadway play I ever saw in NYC …sadness and smiles if that makes any sense…Peace to you JannieFunster.
On 17 August 2011 at 1:02 am Rosemary Nissen-Wade aka SnakyPoet said,
This is a beautiful poem.
On 17 August 2011 at 4:57 am Liara Covert said,
Every words takes on the meaning you give it or remains meaningless. Every word triggers a particular emotion or none. Love the image.
On 17 August 2011 at 7:40 am Gavin P (@thezenofgavin) said,
-when our boomerangs of hope return
on wings of chocolate cake baked by mothers-
There is no other way of course… love it! Thanks
On 17 August 2011 at 10:18 am Gay said,
It is if possible worse in the world today where children are the new slaves, captured younger than six and used around the world in manufacturing, for the sex trade; kidnapped and murdered. It’s not a safe place for children, and it never was. Keep them close and cry for angels. Your poem is well constructed and full of the love of a mother who cares. Beautifully written. G.
On 17 August 2011 at 10:52 am Jannie said,
Hey you guys. It’s so awesome to see you all out and about in poetry land.
Thanks so much for your comments.
So many poets at dVerse. I’ve made it to 77 of the currently 135 links. I’ll have to continue blog hopping at the library later where the computers are 5x faster than this, my ever slower laptop.
you are all AWESOME!!
xoxoxoxo
On 17 August 2011 at 11:18 am James Rainsford said,
Evocative and compelling imagery make this a moving and rewarding read.
On 17 August 2011 at 11:48 am joanna said,
This paints quite a moving picture! I loved this verse especially:
“when our boomerangs of hope return
on wings of chocolate cake baked by mothers
who smell sweeter than Easter morning rain.”
–beautiful.
On 17 August 2011 at 2:51 pm Glenn Buttkus said,
bunch of great new commenters
signing in, Jannie. This is one of
your better poems: course I say
that a lot as you write them. The
Pea looks bug-cute in ANNIE,
On 17 August 2011 at 3:14 pm ed pilolla said,
i adore the details of the stale corn muffins and chocolate cake mixed with the heavenly images of angels and golden silk. there are no soft spots in this. very, very cool:)
On 17 August 2011 at 4:16 pm kaykuala said,
I love the imagery weaving around faraway places. Your poem is beautiful. Your energy is awesome, weaving also to many others. Thanks for the visit
Hank
On 17 August 2011 at 4:19 pm poemblaze said,
I loved this poem, especially the first stanza!
On 17 August 2011 at 4:46 pm Elizabeth Young said,
This poem stirs the soul in many directions. When I was a child my favourite song was “Where is Love?” from the movie ‘Oliver’ and my son also got to play Oliver in a stage performance at his school. It seems to be one of those songs that has carried throughout my life. Your poem captures the essence of what poverty is to a child, and I am so very impressed. Thank you for sharing Jannie!
On 17 August 2011 at 6:53 pm Glynn said,
It may be a weird little poem, but it is a delightful little weird poem — about hope.
On 17 August 2011 at 6:57 pm Aida said,
Moving poem, Jannie… every word falls so perfectly on every emotion you’ve touched…
On 17 August 2011 at 6:58 pm Amanda Moore (iblogmoore) said,
very sweet and endearing made me wish my girls were little again!
On 17 August 2011 at 7:25 pm Victoria said,
Jannie, if this is weird, I wanna be weird. Such a touching write–wistful.
On 17 August 2011 at 7:42 pm Jannie said,
Really all I can say again is thank you for your gifts of words and sentiments, all are now forever locked with gratitude in my heart.
I thought this was weird — but perhaps not as much as I first deemed.
One thing I know — I’ll try to work as much chocolate cake and boomeranging into future poems as possible!! Oh, and mothers smelling fresh as Easter morning rain.
And the alien poem I’m working on IS very , very , very very weird!! But hopefuly will turn out full of love too.
xoxoxoxoxo
On 17 August 2011 at 8:52 pm KB said,
She is adorable
On 17 August 2011 at 9:14 pm Reflections said,
Maybe the angels will sweep up after those boomerangs of hope hit upon the back of the head, dusting sweet powdered sugar over the cakes.
On 17 August 2011 at 9:15 pm mm said,
Love the cardboard tiara– your song is singing you loud and strong!
On 17 August 2011 at 9:40 pm Helena said,
☀☆☽ ომgicმl ☀☽☀☆
~ Beautiful write ~
On 17 August 2011 at 11:15 pm Pervagus said,
Fantastic imagery throughout. Strikingly evocative and heart warming. “When our boomerangs of hope return on wings of chocolate cake” is my absolute favourite. Great write!
On 17 August 2011 at 11:18 pm Anna @ waysidewordgarden said,
This is beautiful! I was swept up in the dream of these sweet little orphans… I love the last line!
On 17 August 2011 at 11:40 pm Patricia said,
Mothers who smell sweeter than Easter morning rain…
nice words here….and up there…thank you
great picture of your Annie
My kids got to do theater work too – now they wish they had done more…It Girl would only pass out programs…Library Girl danced (stiffly) in Grease and high heels and Entrepreneurial Gal would not try out – just be in the chorus and still drew all the attention…it was as good as Karate for them….oh they did love music…now they are so busy
On 18 August 2011 at 12:48 am SnaggleTooth said,
Great poem imagery! Especially like the “boomerangs of hope” stanza. I can picture angels with snow boxes on the catwalks awaiting que, n the Mothers helpng with refreshments.
So cute Kelly got to play Annie! Lucky Mom n talented poet…
On 18 August 2011 at 1:32 am Di said,
It’s a lovely verse that neatly weaves hope through imaginings… I enjoyed it.
On 18 August 2011 at 1:38 am David said,
This is my kind of “weird”!
I love the beautiful and playful images, especially this one:
when our boomerangs of hope return
on wings of chocolate cake
Wonderful poem, Jannie!
On 18 August 2011 at 8:30 am blackswanpoetry said,
very beautiful and expressive….
On 18 August 2011 at 10:48 am Uneven Stephen said,
This is great. I especially love these stellar lines: “when our boomerangs of hope return / on wings of chocolate cake baked by mothers / who smell sweeter than Easter morning rain” Excellent.
On 18 August 2011 at 11:36 am Rhyme Me a Smile said,
Great write! I am always sad for orphans. Your words, “avalanches of stale corn muffins” and “cardboard tiaras” really bring their reality to life. Thanks for sharing.
On 18 August 2011 at 1:52 pm Madeleine Begun Kane said,
Wonderfully touching and evocative!
On 18 August 2011 at 3:44 pm Jannie said,
Dearest Poetry Believers,
Now this is what I call an AWESOME show of comments. Poets ROCK!!
So, back to that one about the aliens shall I return, maybe insert a line in it about summer having a knife or autumn having a cellphone…
THANK YOU ALL!!!
xoxooxo
On 19 August 2011 at 1:41 pm brian said,
i hope that you and your fam have a lovely weekend jannie!
On 19 August 2011 at 2:03 pm Sara said,
Jannie,
That is such a cool picture of Kelly. I love the colors and motion in it. It’s a very “dramatic” shot in a good way:~)
The poem was different…I liked these lines:
“when we fly free from this rusted turret,
our cardboard tiaras and nametags forgotten,
love at last will be only song that sings us”
For my friend Jannie,the poet
May she sing
May she dance
For she is unique; I know it:~)
Have a great weekend!
On 19 August 2011 at 2:57 pm Debbie Dawnslight said,
our feathers and our rags into tapestries…
what an amazing line!
~A beautiful poem, sad. The photograph makes it real.
BTW – I like your voice and love that you can sing with humor.
Thank you.
deb
On 19 August 2011 at 4:33 pm G-Man said,
Jannie?
I used to know a Jannie
She was very cool
But that was so long ago…
Il y a longtemps……..
On 19 August 2011 at 4:35 pm Alice Audrey said,
She has such a look of concentration on her face.
On 19 August 2011 at 4:36 pm Laura Hegfield said,
not so weird Jannie…I really enjoyed it and your Kelly (as usual) is incredibly cute!
On 19 August 2011 at 8:45 pm Jannie said,
Thank you Brian, tha’s relaly nice of you.
Dearest Sara, for I’m a jolly good fellow??
Ahhh, Dawnslight, thanks.
Dearest G-Man, gotcha. Was madly preparing my 55 when you commented.
Alice Audrey, I’m not even sure what scene that was.
Laura! Thanks.
xoxoxoxo
On 20 August 2011 at 11:13 pm Davina Haisell said,
Hi Jannie.
You wrote this with heart and soul. It was lovely. My favourite verse was the last one. I had to Google “turret”
I thought it was a species of bird, lol. But of course, that wouldn’t make any sense… a bird flying from a rusted bird???
On 22 August 2011 at 8:06 pm Gene said,
Uplifting words here, with imagery that brought a soft smile out again and again.
On 23 August 2011 at 9:19 am Jannie said,
Dearest Commenting Peeps.
How super-extra-lovely to see you both here.
Now I am off to help create a poem for this week, with Mieshka’s help.
xoox
On 26 August 2011 at 10:04 pm Katherine said,
Jannie, I really liked this one. And not because it had corn muffins and chocolate cake, although that does help. It had a wonderfully feeling of hop throughout it that made me feel light, happy and free. Nice one Ms Funster.
On 30 August 2011 at 11:22 pm Jannie said,
Katherine!! So great to see you again.
Are the kiddoes back in school yet?
Are you still taking fandango lessons and practicing your roof-top yodelling???
xoxoxo