In all our fanciful talk
of crisp, white bed sheets,
Romania, and teaching English,
I never thought to mention
we would call our son 'Ted' -
after our poetic match-maker,
your alter-ego, second self.
I remember the month
I spent in France last summer
with family and friends.
My father's godson,
only eight months old,
had your eyes and
a mop of golden blonde hair.
Balancing him on my hip,
I'd wander down the beach,
his tiny fists clutching
at my necklace - which
eventually found its way
to his mouth. He didn't mind
if I called him 'Ted'.
This is all just harmless musing,
by the way - no hidden
meanings or messages...
Just a footnote on
a changeling child
on the pages of our
would-be history.
Comments
skinner_jennifer | January 20, 2011 - 13:22
Hi Magic,
beautiful poem, memories to cherish.
I remember when my son was eight months, taking
him down to the beach, balancing him on my hip,
it kind of brought back memories.
Thanks for the read.
Jenny.
Silver Spun Sand | January 20, 2011 - 13:37
Dear Magic - the fourth and beautifully charming last stanza aside, much, I sense, is written between the lines...
A poem, deceivingly simple in its message, but poignantly and expertly penned, as ever.
A picture post-card of a poem, most definitely, and much enjoyed;-)
Tina xxx
luigi_pagano | January 20, 2011 - 14:04
"This is all just harmless musing,
by the way - no hidden
meanings or messages..."
Pull the other one dear girl. We males can spot a devious female mind from a mile away!
You are too young to brood about little Teds and tiny fists clutching at necklaces. Good poem nevertheless.
Luigi xxx
insertponceyfre... | January 20, 2011 - 14:35
this is lovely magic - pitched just right, somewhere between teasing and truth - or at least that's how it seems to me.
Sooz006 | January 20, 2011 - 15:27
And then they grow into horrible teenagers. Nice poem, thank for the read.
Beeme | January 20, 2011 - 16:10
I very much enjoyed Magic, a very lovely poem, love the last stanza. Beautifully told.
Beeme xx
MistakenMagic | January 20, 2011 - 17:56
Thank you, Jenny! Glad you took something from this ;)
Magic xxx
MistakenMagic | January 20, 2011 - 17:57
Thanks, Tina :) I've been writing much longer narrative poems of late - so glad you think I've pulled off a more concise piece!
Magic xxx
MistakenMagic | January 20, 2011 - 17:59
'devious female mind' - Oh, Luigi, you flatterer :P Don't worry, I've no plans for any real 'little teds' just yet!
Magic xxx
MistakenMagic | January 20, 2011 - 18:00
Glad you think I've pitched it just right, insert!
Magic xxx
MistakenMagic | January 20, 2011 - 18:01
Thank YOU for commenting, Sooz! Glad you enjoyed :)
Magic xxx
MistakenMagic | January 20, 2011 - 18:04
Thank you, Beeme! In writing this one the endings did actually come to mind last, which is very rare for me - so I'm glad you think it works!
And a cherry! I got a high band 2:1 for my first essay - three marks off a first - not sure if that counts as a cherry pick or not? But I'm not going to beat myself up about it :P
Magic xxx
seannelson | January 20, 2011 - 19:52
This is really meaningful and well-written. Thanks for sharing
MistakenMagic | January 20, 2011 - 20:48
Thank you, sean! It sprung to mind after a conversation with an old friend - something I wish I'd told him, hence the 'p.s.'! Glad you enjoyed :)
Magic xxx
rjnewlyn | January 20, 2011 - 23:28
Yes, it's a very beautiful one. Sad but in an OK sort of way. They don't all grow into horrible teenagers - sometimes into quite decent ones ...
Rob
MistakenMagic | January 20, 2011 - 23:33
Oh, I don't know, Rob - I still have my moments of being a horrible teenager :P Thanks for commenting!
Magic xxx
SundaysChild | January 21, 2011 - 03:35
Good to read one of your poems again Magic! I enjoyed this a lot- and can relate to it. Thanks for sharing.
MistakenMagic | January 21, 2011 - 08:58
Thanks, Sunday! I'm on better terms with my poetic muse now - and I think the poetry finds me more approachable! :P
Magic xxx
kheldar | January 21, 2011 - 11:18
Excellent :--) xxx
MistakenMagic | January 21, 2011 - 12:49
Thanks, David :)
Magic xxx
fatboy74 | January 21, 2011 - 20:51
Yes it's lovely to read your poems again Magic, rather nicely done conversational style to this and I think your ending can more than stand with the rest - have you read 'Ted''s most recently unearthed poem? ATB FB :-)
MistakenMagic | January 22, 2011 - 15:43
Thank you, fatboy! I have indeed - did you see it in the New Statesman magazine? I typed up the poem for a friend who couldn't get hold of a copy!
Magic xxx
Oldwarrior | January 23, 2011 - 23:49
You have a magic way with words. Magic is a good name to choose.
Thank you for sharing,
an inspired and struggling poet.
Cavalcaderl | January 23, 2011 - 23:53
new MistakenMagic
Yes,good to see your
poems on here as always.
Well deserved cherry!
Nice poem.I have many thoughts
of the beach and mine when small
and memories. ah!
julie xx
MistakenMagic | January 24, 2011 - 08:39
Thank you, Old Warrior. Glad I could inspire you, and keep writing!
Magic xxx
MistakenMagic | January 24, 2011 - 08:41
Thanks, Julie! You're right, I find walks on the beach are one of the best ways to be alone with your thoughts :)
Magic xxx
JoseHdz | January 25, 2011 - 00:09
this flows quite naturally/beautifully..
cheers,
jose.
MistakenMagic | January 25, 2011 - 10:04
Thanks, Jose :)
Magic xxx
Kahdai | January 26, 2011 - 20:38
Fantastic magic, really magical ;) K xxx
MistakenMagic | January 27, 2011 - 09:33
Thank you, Kahdai :)
Magic xxx
fatboy74 | January 27, 2011 - 22:36
Hi Magic, a colleague handed it to me, I'm not sure what magazine it was in, rather pleasing to think these might keep popping up. Hope you are well and am sure you are glad to be back. ATB FB
threeleafshamrock | April 2, 2011 - 09:38
Just harmless musing? Hmmmm... maybe ;) Another gem all the same and another lovely 'slide' for the projector of life (your life)...
Chris XXXX
MistakenMagic | April 2, 2011 - 11:45
Haha, no of course not harmless, Chris - but I had to give a 'disclaimer' a go! :P
Magic xxx