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Phyllis Jean Green

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Your lap, Your Chinese Checkers
by Phyllis Jean Green → (All Poetry by Phyllis Jean Green)
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Poem Artwork

Your lap, Your Chinese Checkers
 
The little eggshell bungalow
sporting the racket-making swing,
pink and blue hydrangeas
big as conch shells
and a woman who knew
a child needed
- to be held -- to be fed -
- to be sat in a corner -
- to be let out to dream
in the shade of a sweet-smelling
magnolia -
The little eggshell bungalow
that never moved
that never changed
the child knew
- that however long the wait,
would smell of sweet milk,
sugar, butter, Johnson's wax,
and lavender sachet -
- big pillowed rockers
and wide, rust-chained swing -
- cuppa-sugar lemonade
to cool a child
got too much sun...
Never, ever, picture a giant
bulldozer laying flat
a little eggshell bungalow
to make room for
anonymous.
- woman a knowing ghost -

 

(c) Phyllis Jean Green,  March, 2008

 
 

 

 

 


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 Reviews of "Your lap, Your Chinese Checkers"
Reviewed on April 12, 2008
And how did I manage to miss this, (((Pea)))? This is as comforting as an afternoon's relaxation on a wrap around front porch, sitting on the swing, ice tea against the heat of day - sigh. Beautifully illustrated in verse, my new favorite of many of yours. Can't help you're so danged good! :) Keep it up, can't wait for my next treat - your words!

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

Reviewed on April 6, 2008
I love the brilliant ways you use words. This is exceptionally marvelous in the way it evokes the mind with past memsories and thoughts.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Price
Reviewed on April 4, 2008
Comfort and nurturing, lulled into a paradise some can only wish for. A delightful read full of details to guide our way. Thank you for sharing. Liz

Reviewed by Barbara Terry
Reviewed on April 3, 2008
Pea, you have written about mothering, as only a mother can, and the memories of a child, about where she grew up. I hope the eggshell bungalow is still there. What memories you can tell your children about the fun, and the work you did there, and of course, the discipline.

This poem reminds me of my days in upper Michigan when I was a child. The smell of "grandma" Dolly cooking her Italian meals, and the bathroom smelling of bleach, the house always painted a different color each spring...LOL (that was "grampa" Jack for you). The friends I had, the romping I did, and of course a child's worst nightmare ... chores. LOL. As you can see Pea, you have made me smile, and laugh today, and it isn't even noon yet here in Melbourne, Australia. LOL. Thank you so much for the memories, and making me think beautiful things on a cloudy, dreary day.

May the Lord Jesus bless you, and those whom you love, and be with you always, and at your side constantly. With much love in my heart, joy to the world, peace on earth, & ((((((((((MANY WONDERFUL SISTERLY HUGGGGSSSS)))))))))), your little sister, Barbie

Reviewed by Jeanette Cooper
Reviewed on April 1, 2008
Your poem reflects a storehouse of memories from yester-year. These are most often the best of all. A beautiful write.

Reviewed by Charlie
Reviewed on March 30, 2008
What a fabulous right-on write on a woman who knew... how to mother. I miss my grandmother reading this--terrible-bad--but it's such a sweet memory, I want more. More Pea!! More!! --Charlie

Reviewed by Amber Moonstone
Reviewed on March 28, 2008
Pea, This is so wonderfully written and it has a bit of enchantment and calmness about it..I enjoyed it.
Peace, love, and light,
Amber "V"

Reviewed by Kate Burnside
Reviewed on March 27, 2008
Fantastic work, Pea. So evocative with very controlled telling imagery... you know just how much to egg the pudding without overdoing it! Reminds me of Mark Twain. Love the idea that a child needs to be "let out to dream in the shade of a sweet-smelling magnolia". You have an artist's eye and a poet's mind. Bless you, Kate xx

Reviewed by Regis Auffray
Reviewed on March 27, 2008
This beautiful write brings to mind what you intended in a lively manner for the reader. Thank you for sharing this gift, Pea. Love and best wishes to you,

Regis

Reviewed by John Leko
Reviewed on March 27, 2008
...you paint a foundation...of something small...given large beauty...and the simplicity of fine detail...to one...and something held in love...timeless.
this is such beautiful poetry Phyllis...
John

Reviewed by Christine Alwin
Reviewed on March 27, 2008
Phyllis,, So much said in this, I had to read it twice,,I see a child tendered with care,, The beautiful Magnolia Flowers, I see a painting in my head.
:)Christine

Reviewed by Rose Rideout
Reviewed on March 27, 2008
Another beautiful write Phyllis, thank you for sharing.

Newfie Hugs, Rose

Reviewed by Morning Star
Reviewed on March 25, 2008
Beautifully expressed thoughts
A stunning imagery and write!!
Peace Love and hugssss...Morning star

Reviewed by Carole Mathys
Reviewed on March 23, 2008
A beautiful, soft write...

Carole~

Reviewed by m j hollingshead
Reviewed on March 22, 2008
well said

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes
Reviewed on March 22, 2008
A beautiful write.....just thought you said chinese CRACKERS....me eating japanese Rice Cracker..it was quite funny when I realiszed it was checkers not crackers....lol!!

Love Tinka

Reviewed by Karen Vanderlaan
Reviewed on March 22, 2008
What a beautiful, peaceful write--so much love in the inclusion of knowing what was needed

Reviewed by Felix Perry
Reviewed on March 22, 2008
Replace the Magnolias with wild roses and the glider for a rocking chair and you have captured my front verandah. LOve it and the gentle feel of love threaded through this write.

Fee

Reviewed by Dawn Anderson
Reviewed on March 22, 2008
What an incredible picture you pianted with your words!

Reviewed by Bonnie May
Reviewed on March 22, 2008
What a sweet poem, you made that bungalow so real and painted a beautifful picture with your loving words. Love, Bonnie


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