Dissappearing Childhood - say goodbye
A big boy
and a small boy
sprawling
play knuckle bones
on the lounge room floor
at tea time
they put the game away
in a soft green bag
with a little string
that sits on a peg
in a narrow dark corner of their room
they watch the news
as they play with their peas
quietly
not
noisily
together
there’s no show
its not a game
theres no laughter
anymore
Danny
This is my house in the 60’s except there was no watching TV at dinner time, all silent around the kitchen table.
Robert Knapman
I was remebering our house in the 70’s – with bits of other bits of memories thrown in too. Our first TV was a massive big brown box – black and white TV of course…somehow it seems like yesterday.
Elaine van Dyk
Robert, this is lovely…....it draws such a vivid picture for me. I love the way you use words,
”....they play with their peas
quietly
not
noisily
together”
Mel Brackstone
I am constantly surprised by how your poetry resonates with me, Robert. I look forward to reading more.
Robert Knapman
Thanks Whirligig and Mel. It’s pretty cool to know it creates visual worlds and gets under skins. I’m luv’n this site.
ambientlight
disarmingly poignant and nostalgic for some of us at that age and era. love your use of language, simple, minimal, effectively illustrative….in the way that a certain smell can trigger an instant feeling or reminiscence. wonderful.
strals
I agree. Memories of grey boiled peas and silent ‘conversations’ came flooding back. Thanks.
Charlotte Morison
I agree, it does create a vivid picture and a subdued playfulness.
Great work Robert.
Robert Knapman
Hey thanks folk. This was a ‘quiter’ approach to my writing than usual. I’m thinking I might see where else I can play with it. Cheers