a streetlight named bob (a revision)
from her childhood bed,
the mattress now replaced,
she raised the window shade a little
in the dark -- and found the view
to be the same as it ever was.
she used to talk (in her head)
to the light across the street,
finding comfort in the quiet transference.
she named the light "Bob,"
because it sounded more friendly than "God."
Copyright © 2011 Nan P.
Copyright © 2011 Nan P.
22 comments:
Nan~ How sweet... would love to see the old version.
Love that title, and I would love to see the original, nan.
Pamela
I adore this. One of my daughters, from ages 2-5, had an imaginary husband named Bob. She often told me he was the same color as Jesus--"You know, Mommy, like Alex." Alex was a beautiful, dark brown American Indian boy. Your piece brought it all flooding back, a quarter century later. Thank you!
I really enjoyed the jaunt back to childhood
I loved the last line--so typical of childhood.
Nan- I found the link to the original poem... that one was good too, but I love the second one!
Well..you are done revising...this is just about perfect as is. vb
Brilliant!
Nan, I like this, especially "finding comfort in the quiet transference" - that line really sums it up for me, the adult perspective on a childhood practice.
Richard
I really enjoyed this. Such a clear sweet voice. Reminded me of home.
Funny and cute! I like the child's voice preferring a concrete identity, I think. Bob sounds like someone you can talk to.
This is lovely, Nan. I love your explanation for Bob's name.
Love it! love the truth and innocence of it.
I read the original, too, and I think you've made it stronger by switching the perspective. Great ending - says so much.
Nan, I love this bit of nostalgia. Talking to the light across the street is a bit like praying, isn't it?
Lovely visit with your childhood self.
What a wonderful poem, with a fantastic & surprising turn. Love it. Yup. Love.
How lovely ... with an unexpected twist.
lovely how the child has her own name for God
what a divine piece.
way to go.
I can relate to this a lot - esp. the part about 'Bob' sounding more friendly than 'God'
amazing one.
:)
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