Aunt Tom's Jewelry Box
Photo by Amy LV
Students - I have written about my wonderful Aunt Tom (Edythe) and her green jewelry box before, HERE in 2016. She was a fabulous human, a flapper and musician, an glittery-eyed artist. She was my Grandma Florence's sister, and as I didn't have any aunts and uncles or cousins (my parents are only children), she was one of my few relatives. Below you can see her as a young woman. The photograph is from my Great Grandfather John's album, an album I am lucky to have.
My Great Aunt, Edythe Toebe
Photo by ?
Today's poem does not rhyme. Poems need not rhyme. But you will note that it does pay attention to where the lines break. The line that begins She has been gone stands alone because 20 years is a long time, and I wanted to leave space around those words.
I brought a few senses in here too. Which senses can you find in the poem: sight, smell, touch, hearing, taste?
If you are writing a poem or story or bit of nonfiction or notebook entry, consider your senses. Which have you included? Which might you include?
And if you are not sure of what to write about, do you have a relative who makes you smile? Have you ever been given something that once belonged to someone now gone?
It has been a wonderful week of author visits in the Williamsville School District. Thank you to all students, teachers, and administrators at Maple East Elementary, Maple West Elementary, and Dodge Elementary for our time together. I look forward to visiting the other Williamsville elementary schools in a couple of weeks.
It has been a wonderful week of author visits in the Williamsville School District. Thank you to all students, teachers, and administrators at Maple East Elementary, Maple West Elementary, and Dodge Elementary for our time together. I look forward to visiting the other Williamsville elementary schools in a couple of weeks.
Please share a comment below if you wish.
Amy, after watching the Downton Abbey movie last week, I welcome your thoughts and beautiful photo of your lovely, flapper-stylish Aunt Edythe. Your poem is one that explodes with sensory images in such a few words: perfumypowdery scent. Your new combo word makes a statement in this line. I loved my Nonnie's jewelry box that had a dancing ballerina when you opened it. There were treasures inside so I relate so well to your poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your attention to line breaks. I find myself worrying over those. A lovely poem with wisdom that can only come from knowing loss.
ReplyDeleteOh this took me to my own collection of costume jewelry from my grandmother and aunt. The sensory images bring me back to the smell of grandma”s perfume.
ReplyDeleteYou've brought the whole box to life via your poem Amy–what fun and lovely treasures we find there–and most of all the feeling that your "Aunt Tom" is right there, thanks!
ReplyDeleteYour aunt looks like she was quite the character and her jewelry lavish. I recently wrote about my grandmother's jewelry box. My father was raised in poverty, so hers was very simple. https://reflectionsontheteche.com/2019/09/06/poetry-friday-box-poem/
ReplyDeleteYour treasure from your aunt dances through your words.
ReplyDeleteAnd you end with laughter. What a beautiful tribute to your aunt and to your love for her.
ReplyDelete