I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

30 April 2016

To Mention Just a Few

On being asked for my favourite author, book or quotation

I don't live in the fairy-tale
of falling in love once only 
for the whole of a long life.
Many princes are charming,
and I have loved many.

That sweet lad in the desert
with sun-gold curls and a rose,
he was lovely. He understood
how to see with the heart
and the way to tame a fox.

There was the one in exile
from his land and tribe,
who consorted with wizards, 
elves, gnomes and tree people –
a traveller with a mission.

And I'll always fall for a man
who makes me laugh,
even if he takes me for a ride
and tells me, warm and friendly, 
'Don't panic', as we crash-land.

Another had dash and flair,
and loyalty to friends. 'All 
for one and one for all!' I like
the adventurous type. He knew 
exactly how to wield his sword.

I spent a long time loving
a small man of large heart
and much wisdom, a gentle
and most earthy spiritual type,
in a village, a little world.

Lately I'm favouring a tall,
long-haired rural dweller
with an attractive native accent,
who likes outlandish women – 
well, foreign to himself, anyway.

How could I choose just one
to cuddle up in bed with,
when God has bestowed 
such beautiful abundance? 
I love them all, forever true.















UK Pictures: Woman reading a book, Sept. 21 2005


Cheat sheet:
1. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
2. Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (specifically the character of Aragorn, though my description could also apply to Frodo)
3. The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and sequels, by Douglas Adams
4. The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
5. The Little World of Don Camillo, and sequels, by Giovanni Guareschi
6. The 'Outlander' series by Diana Gabaldon

These are indeed among my favourite books. In the poem I have also made each one equate to an important man in my life, but I'm not giving a cheat sheet for that! (The people closest to me may recognise some.)


Written for Sanaa's Prompt Nights: When armed with the license to quote. (My poem does include quotations, whether indicated or not.)

Also linked to Poets United's Poetry Pantry #300


30 comments:

  1. LOL...Of course you love them all... This is quintessential to the Australian woman.The environment defines us (hot climate,good diet, top beer,water sports, and an over abundance of stands in the paddock to choose from :)I hope this response is subtle enough but I know that you know what I am really saying can be expressed in about two words:)

    Rallentanda

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  2. And of course I am discussing books:)
    Rallentanda

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  3. My goodness Rosemary :D this is an absolute treat of a poem. I simply adore how you described all those wonderful characters :D such a beautiful and dream-like quality to this. Thank you so much for participating at Prompt Nights :D

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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  4. Sensuosly beautiful Rosemary. How blessed can oneself be!

    Hank

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  5. yes of course, so many too love and why not. Enjoyed your telling in this poem

    I'm happy you dropped in to read mine

    much love...

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  6. this is gorgeous, and such a good illustration of my feelings about picking favorites, which echo your own.

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  7. You've illustrated book loving in such a beautiful way, Rosemary. And I'm right with you, I've given my heart to many... and know I'll never stop doing it. ♥

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  8. Oh you are so clever, and I had such fun reading this and imagining both books and heroes. Your memoir would be one of my fave books, should you write it. Smiles.

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  9. Well, why not! Enjoy! Life is too short not to.......

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  10. Me,too, serial monogamy. What a delightful gathering!

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  11. I think polygamous love is always correct.. I loved to try to guess which person you were referring to.. Could be like making riddle in poetr.

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  12. How well you have written this. Nothing compares with being transported into another world of the written page and being a part of the story too.

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  13. What an appealing bundle of characters. Each one rattles some beguiling charms. Loved this.

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  14. Lexcial princes/princesses are the best companions (of course) - how could i dispute - the 'Don't panic', as we crash-land' made me smile..that would be the one i choose ;)

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  15. What a wonderful and playful use of the prompt. I admire the imagination behind this poem.
    Steve K.

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  16. haha - too many to love and so little time...smiling...

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  17. I adore how you incorporate each of these wonderful books and characters into your poem. How could we choose!

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  18. Yes, every single book is a new experience and love. I love the way you did this.

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  19. This is exquisite and fun. I was able to identify several of the books before knowing the prompt. I like how you equate each favorite book to a favorite man. Love loves diversity.

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    1. Well, the prompt was to be inspired by a favourite author or quote. I turned it into books, and chose which books. I'm thrilled that I succeeded in making them identifiable!

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  20. what a creative way to describe your favourite books!
    at first i was thinking it was about the men in your life, and i was partly right!. :)

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  21. This is a treat! Though, thanks for the cheat sheet ... or - this time tomoarrow - I'd probably still be making my way through: Fictional Hero's I Have Fallen For. lol

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    1. I guess it depends which books you've read. :) I think Don Camillo is little known – which is a great pity.

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  22. Delightful read, and wonderful response to the prompt. I'm thinking my own list would be too long to be believed, lol...

    Elizabeth

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  23. wow...i loved reading this poem. So delightful :)

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  24. So enjoyed this, Rosemary, and your exchange with Rall made me laugh out loud. I really admire your creative imagination.

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