by

Shoebox Poetry: The Field

what if the calling crows think you are
a makeshift scarecrow built for chasing
them away from their dreams? will they
peck at you with sharp beaks so far from
my grasp? will I be able to run fast enough
to save you? the shifting rice tells me
to take a deep breath. this isn’t a cornfield
and the cranes won’t hurt you. but grey
skies mean trouble so run to me anyway
my boy. mother needs you in her arms.

Shoebox Poetry: This is the fourth poem in my series based on an old box of photos I inherited when my grandmother died in 2004. The back of this photo reads “Gary in rice field Nov ’53.” It’s a photo of my dad, but it made me think of my own boy. He turned 18 in December and is finishing high school in a few months. This poem poured out instantly along with some tears. I guess I have some feelings.

Here are the other poems in the series if you missed them:

73 thoughts on “Shoebox Poetry: The Field”

  8. I guess you do. Have feelings. Don’t we all, really really. But not everyone sees AND shares. Bridgette your ability to express yourself moves my heart and mind. Like the photo much. The poem is superb – no, inadequate word – makes me feel I am there with you. Connection, that’s the word, ‘the’ word. Your words are like ocean on the shore (yea, too, I’m looking at Monterey Bay live cam right now) – the way your words move and change and fill up this space.

    One of the better poems I’ve read for quite a while.

    Reply

      • It’s like this Bridgette. Too much of my life I’ve been too polite. Meaning I didn’t speak appreciation right out loud. Think I’m tired of being that way. Maybe there’s risk of going overboard. If so, then I’d like to be a fish in the sea.

      • I’m extremely grateful for the kind words! I always try and be honest and let people know when I appreciate them. I think life if much better that way ❤️

    • It really is! It’s fun to think about my father as a small child. He never talks about his childhood and it was marred by a lot of heartache, but the photos I’ve found hint at good times too.

      Reply

  12. This is a fine idea. And a fine photo. 1953… I was born that year. So your father is (was?) a bit older than me. Ik he is gone, I think you found the right approach in the comment above: “hint at good times too.” It may take a while, but sooner or later you will recall only the good times.
    (Been there. Done that.)

    Reply

    • I have no idea! I’ll have to ask my dad and get back to you. They lived in the Bay Area when he was growing up, but this could have been on a trip somewhere.

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      • Do. I was trying to think “rice in the US”? Rice needs a lot of water… Florida? The South? Curiosity killed the 🐱
        😉
        Have a nice Easter week.

      • Definitely the United States and most likely somewhere in California. Where I live (northern CA) we have tons of rice fields. I grew up surrounded by them and used to race my horses along the paths between to scare up the cranes and watch them fly.

      • Is that right? Never been to North California. I only “know” from San Francisco down…
        Horses? hmmm. I loved horses when I was a teen. Rode “a-plenty”.
        Do you still ride?

      • Unfortunately, no. Got injured in my early 20s and sort of gave it up. I always say maybe one day…but probably not. I have lots of other interests now and they are an expensive hobby.

      • Sorry about the accident. One needs to be 100% fit to ride… But again maybe one day… 😉 🐴
        (and yes, I imagine they must be expensive now… But then what isn’t?
        Cheers

  14. Oh wow Bridgette, this is such a tender, nostalgic, and heart-warming poem. Girl, I am so glad to have been raised in an era where photograph albums are not obsolete. I especially love the black and white ones that I have. Thanks for sharing such an endearing poem. 😊🙏🏼😘

    Reply

    • I’m so glad you liked my poem! Yes, photo albums seem to be going away. I’m old school. I still make albums for every vacation and both my kids have albums I’ve added a photo to each month of their lives. There’s nothing like holding a photo in your hands to transport you back.

      Reply

      • Girl Bridgette, what you talkin’ about girlfriend? I am old school too, and when I realized just how important my photo albums were, was when I lost a lot of photos I’d taken a few years back on my so-called smartphone that did not go to the “cloud” as it should have when I got a new phone. Hundreds of photos gone just like that. So I applaud the photo documentation you’re doing and what you’ve done for your children. I know they will appreciate your workmanship the older they get! 😀📸🤗

      • Thanks! Yes, I’m happy I’ve printed those out because I’ve also lost some photos by switching phones. It’s so important to have these memories perserved 🙂

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