Rebecca puts on a brave face for the kids.
They don’t need her grief;
they have enough of their own.
Wiping her eyes in the mirror
she turns to the ring of cross-legged children
who stare expectantly.
“Now, I want you to pretend you have wings!
Be birds, bees and butterflies!”
She goes to the CD player and puts on
Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’.
Chaos erupts. The children run in clumsy circles
like a handful of frenzied balloons
let loose; a gift to the sky.
Arms wave with excited clucks and whoops.
She can almost see the imagined feathers
kicked up by their feet.
A million torn pillows.
But amongst the pandemonium
Rebecca sees Samuel sat hugging his knees.
She goes to join him.
“Why aren’t you flying Sam?” she whispers.
“Lost my wings, Miss,” Sam answers,
looking at the others with envy.
“You and me both,” Rebecca smiles.
“But did you know we have a set of reserve wings?”
Samuel shakes his head curiously.
“Of course. Put your hand on your chest
. . . you feel that? It’s the beating
of your reserve wings - the ones that matter the most.
Shall we try again?” She offers him her hand
and together they take to the floor.
Long after the children have gone
Rebecca presses play.
She raises her arms, staring in the mirror,
wishing a hundred marble swallowtails
would return and carry her away.
Comments
MistakenMagic | February 3, 2009 - 17:22
On googling 'Rebecca Hainsworth' I discovered that my namesake teaches creativity and problem solving through music to young children in Salt Lake City.
Silver Spun Sand | February 3, 2009 - 17:27
"... Put your hand on your chest
... you feel that. It's the beating
of your reserve wings. The ones that matter most."
These, for me, the most moving words in this extremely enigmatic and haunting poem. Inspiration point or not, this is wonderful and I am so glad you posted it.
Well done, indeed:-)
Tina xxx
lenchenelf | February 3, 2009 - 20:48
I try to be objective when reading through work here, but I have to admit to being deeply moved by this, thank you L
threeleafshamrock | February 3, 2009 - 21:21
I found it extremely hard to believe that you were only 17 Rebecca. The depth and understanding of your writing suggest a far more mature student of life. I suppose imagination knows no limitations. This is great and full of - what we used to call - soul. I loved it and have more than a sneaking suspicion that your name-sake would too. Well done!
Chris XX
threeleafshamrock | February 3, 2009 - 21:25
By the way; my namesake is a multi-millionaire, owns a race track and has raced at 'LE MONS' a few times and was born a stones throw away from my father. Don't know about writing a poem but I'm certainly starting a family tree LOL. ;) Chris XX
MistakenMagic | February 3, 2009 - 21:42
Thank you so much Tina, Chris and lenchenelf! Maybe I should drop my alter ego an e-mail to say thanks ;) You should definitely start a family tree Chris - maybe you're entitled to a few pounds?
Magic xxx
jennifer | February 4, 2009 - 14:14
This is superb, MM, and these lines were amazing:
'The children run in clumsy circles
like a handful of frenzied balloons
let loose; a gift to the sky.'
I am welling up, actually, Sob!
p.s. yes also gobsmacked if you really are 17!
MistakenMagic | February 4, 2009 - 14:32
Thank you Jen! Yes, I swear I am 17! Born 9th October 1991, currently in year 12 ;) I can recite the AS English syllabus if you'd like?
Magic xxx
threeleafshamrock | February 4, 2009 - 21:03
Jeez MM, Don't get her started. She'll have us all reciting them lol ;)
Chris XX
jennifer | February 5, 2009 - 08:34
No thanks, I teach the AS English syllabus, so think I know it pretty well!
Hehe
J x
Nathan Bednarek | February 6, 2009 - 01:20
The third stanza is a joy to read and the whole poem is just brilliant and I agree with the others- this poem triggers a lot of emotion as I read it.
More of this please!
Love, Nathan.
luigi_pagano | February 6, 2009 - 11:27
Just beautiful, Rebecca. The whole poem is a gem and the final stanza caps the lot.
Luigi xx
MistakenMagic | February 6, 2009 - 11:32
Thank you so much Nathan and Luigi ;) I agree Nathan, the third stanza is my favourite!
Magic xxx