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Open Poetry #32
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miscellanea
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since 2004-06-24
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OH

0 posted 2004-06-25 06:27 PM





                                               Persistence of Vision
                                
In the corner sat Grandma’s button box  
flirting with its double lids,
“Open me now for I  can overwhelm you
with simplicity
although you’re merely kids.”              

Having nothing better to do on  the stuck-there day,
I lifted one lid, and she the other.
Inside were button jewels and rhinestone hatpins,
colored threads removed
from   worthless dress hems.

For hours our hands were cupped in swim
of the treasures held like fresh shelled corn.
Each button was eyed to examine its worth
then placed  in categories never planned;
A never ending  sort  

At last, when all the squares, oval, brass
had found a pile, we turned to thread.
On it we placed the medallion.
It was a necklace, but if spun
could be observantly read
   to tell of time
  

All you need is button and string,
a reflective moment,
A spirited swing;
How many buttons do you see?
Can you make two spin as one?
  Can you make time stand still?
          
         Imagine, with kid simplicity…
          The persistence of vision
            
                                            



[This message has been edited by miscellanea (06-27-2004 02:47 PM).]

© Copyright 2004 Cathy Farmer - All Rights Reserved
Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
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Canada eh.
1 posted 2004-06-25 07:15 PM


WELCOME TO PASSIONS!
This sure brought back a lot of memories!
I so much enjoyed your entrance post.
Looking forward to seeing more of your work.
~Smiles & Hugs, Nancy~

Something tugs at me, I've no doubt of that.
Something from the sea, whichever one I'm near.
When I stray too far from beachland, it calls me back

SEA
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with you
2 posted 2004-06-25 07:23 PM




"For hours our hands were cupped in swim
of the treasures that lay like fresh shelled corn.
Each button was eyed to examine its worth
Placed  in categories never planned;
A never ending  sort"


for me it was my mom's big button jar....

I loved this....
welcome   

Martie
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3 posted 2004-06-25 07:36 PM


miscellanea

This brought back some wonderful memories for me...thank you..a lovely poem..very nostalgic.  Welcome to Passions!

ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353
Michigan, USA
4 posted 2004-06-25 07:47 PM


Welcome Poet:
The joy of the button box is dear to my heart...making something out of nothing.
In my case, there was an old cigar stand in the room...brass interior and two doors that opened to a childs imagination.
We created furniture, and I found nurturing and the existence of timeless joy.
Well done.
ThisDiamond

miscellanea
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since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
5 posted 2004-06-25 08:20 PM


Thank you, Enchantress.  It's nice to be here.              
             miscellanea


Sea,
   Glad you liked that part.  Poetically, it's my favorite, but my really favorite is the optical illusion of being able to make time stand still.  

Martie,
   I'm glad you enjoyed the nostalgia.  Thanks for stopping by.

This Diamond,
   I've read some of your poetry.  Now I know a little bit about from where your creativity has sprung.

GG
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since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532
Lost in thought
6 posted 2004-06-25 08:52 PM


It wasn't even too long ago. I was there, too... sitting by Grandma as she made her quilt. She showed me how to hold the string and place the button there. I'd play for hours and hours. You're right, time did stand still... I wonder why I ever stopped, because time started again the second I did.

Thank you for bring back the memories and for sharing this great poem! Welcome to the blue pages

Always, Alyssa

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
                  Joyce kilmer

Susan
Member Ascendant
since 2004-03-27
Posts 5104
walking the surreal
7 posted 2004-06-25 08:56 PM


It's amazing, the power of the button box.  Even today I love looking at buttons.  And my nine year old daughter too has discovered Grandma's button box.  Much enjoyed, and welcome.

  Susan

Happiness isn't something that happens to you, it's created from within you.  Joy is a state of mind.

iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
8 posted 2004-06-25 10:35 PM


An intriguing nostalgic write -- for it not only brings back memories of the button box but all those boxes in my grandmother's junk closets that I used to rummage through.  lol hugs, jo

[This message has been edited by iliana (06-26-2004 10:49 PM).]

passing shadows
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displaced
9 posted 2004-06-26 04:18 AM


precious
muted
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10 posted 2004-06-26 04:35 AM


Welcome to Passions!
what a wonderful entrance
sometimes its the simplest of things that brings about the most amazing sensations and innovations


Nightshade
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just out of reach
11 posted 2004-06-26 08:48 AM


Welcome to the Passion's family
Much enjoyed your first post !!
Have fun here
Chris

   Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale.
                                          Hans Christian Anderson

Sunshine
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since 1999-06-25
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Listening to every heart
12 posted 2004-06-26 09:13 AM



This particular poem has a great deal of meaning for me.  One of these days, I shall tell you about it.

For now?  A very warm welcome to Passions!  Please check your e-mail for a very Special Greeting!

Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
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Realms of Light
13 posted 2004-06-26 09:37 AM


As Bob Hope used to sing, "Thanks for the memories..."

I used to do the very same thing with both of my grandmothers' and with my mother's, button boxes!

I started my own as well when I was still quite young and continue to add to my "boxes". My daughters used to play with those buttons and have since started their own! It has become a family tradition!

You successfully brought science and poetry together! This was a delightful read!

~ and by the way, we all have had fun with the thread and button tricks! lol

A wonderful write!
Warm, welcoming hugs,
Earth Angel

miscellanea
Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
14 posted 2004-06-26 07:59 PM


You are all so kind.  I'm sure I will like it here a lot.  Thank you, Everyone.
              miscellanea

BluesSerenade
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since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549
By the Seaside
15 posted 2004-06-26 11:35 PM


This was nicely crafted, and brought back so many fond memories as well.


Welcome to Passions, miscellanea~

miscellanea
Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
16 posted 2004-06-26 11:42 PM


Thanks, Blues Serenade.  It's nice to be here.          
             ~miscellanea~

Kevo
Member
since 2004-06-02
Posts 466
Navarro County, Texas, USA
17 posted 2004-06-27 01:33 AM


Miscellanea,

I found your poem to be delightfully visual and entertaining.  You painted a simply wonderful moment that suggests a mostalgic pastime that I am not familiar with.  Yet, through your careful construction I am able to see and feel that which you speak of so eloquently.  Your talent evident throughout your poem.  It was simply a delicious example of well-written verse worthy of praise.  Thank you so much for sharing your work here with us.  You are most welcome here as I have been since entering these halls several weeks ago.  I look forward with anticipation to reading future posts authored by you.  Warm regards and solidarity to you always.

Kevin  

miscellanea
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since 2004-06-24
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18 posted 2004-06-27 02:49 PM


Kevin,
   I'm glad you enjoyed it.  Thank you for your positive comments.
                      miscellanea

suthern
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19 posted 2004-06-28 10:52 AM


This is absolutely wonderful... welcome to Passions! *S* I'm not sure which I appreciate more... the wonderful memories you evoked... or the incredible talent you displayed in this write... but I'll definitely be looking for more of your work!!
miscellanea
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since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
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20 posted 2004-06-28 11:40 AM


Thanks, suthern,
  That's really touching to read. I appreciate your thoughts.  
               miscellanea

Ratleader
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21 posted 2004-06-29 12:32 PM


My time here is severely limited, but there are some people I make it a point to read whenever I see their name on something...after the first poem of yours that I read, I knew you were one of them....this is the second, and yep, no doubt about it.

~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>   ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>  ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº>    ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº>
______________Ratleader______________

LeeJ
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since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

22 posted 2004-06-29 07:27 AM


A pretty composition which brought back lovely memories of my mother in her youth, and how she not only tried to keep our imaginations busy, but to also spend time with us.  Thank you
miscellanea
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since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
23 posted 2004-06-29 09:31 AM


Ratleader,
   You're mucha too kind.  Thank you.
                 miscellanea

LeeJ.
   I'm pleased this has brought good memories of your mother.  Thanks.
                  miscellanea

bslicker
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state of mind
24 posted 2004-06-29 10:00 AM


Welcome

bernie

A smile a day keeps the world in smile's.
Bernie Slicker

miscellanea
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25 posted 2004-06-29 10:03 AM


thanks, bernie.  It's a pleasure to be here.
Snowflake From Hell
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since 2003-07-10
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My own little Icey Oblivion
26 posted 2004-06-29 10:23 AM


perhaps im not quite old enough yet to remember those things but nonetheless...great first post

Victims....aren't we all.

Midnitesun
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Gaia
27 posted 2004-06-29 02:51 PM


Welcome! This is such a charming write, one that reminded me of a similar precious moment long ago.
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