Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Dear Frankie

Letters 
fluttering furious 
across an ocean 
minds keen 
sharp from use
honing each other
from afar
one surrounded by 
books 
at 84 Charing Cross Road

Gifts sent 
requests made
respite from war
spawning ground 
for friendships 
lasting a life time
precious packages to open 
untie one at a time
treasured behind
the door
at 84 Charing Cross Road 

Imagine the lives shared
woven together between 
pages and bindings 
leather and ink
years intwined 
linked forever by
the little shop 
at 84 Charing Cross Road

 Dear Frankie ~
spur me on
understand the nuance
find the treasure
recognize the need
the essence in written words 
flying mind to heart to soul
without wrinkle
no insult to marriage 
a friend adding texture
gold threads of thought
kything from my street 
to yours 
at 84 Charing Cross Road

This was written from a poetry prompt - Streetwise - from L.L. Barkat for Random Acts of Poetry. We were supposed to write about a certain street or address. 

The movie 84 Charing Cross Road is one of my favorites. I have always envied the rich relationship between these friends and mourn the fact that they never could meet in person. The years of correspondence left a cache of treasure for us. I'm thankful. 

I wish written correspondence was not a lost art. Cyber words aren't quite as life giving somehow. Maybe it's because we can't hold it in our hands and be infused with the very touch of the other person? 

14 comments:

L.L. Barkat said...

I liked this especially...

"kything from my street
to yours"

:)

S. Etole said...

I've never seen the movie but your words prompt me to want to ...

Maureen said...

Yours is a wonderful selection for the prompt.

I, too, really liked your line "kything from my street/ to yours".

And I agree about written correspondence. I have all of the letters I've received over the years. So many stopped coming once e-mail entered our lives. I'm one oldster who misses going to the box and finding an "I see you" from a friend.

Anonymous said...

i like...

to yours
at 84

i'm just a little strange, i guess.

Glynn said...

I loved the book, the movie -- and now the poem.

katdish said...

I've not read the book or seen the movie, but the poem is lovely, Kathleen.

Laura said...

I'm going to have to find out what 84 Charing Cross Road is about now, Kathleen. The warmth you describe (plus letters--yes!) draws me in.

Lovely words.

Brian Miller said...

i agree...there is just something about receiving a letter that has been penned in ones hand...

Unknown said...

i cannot wait to see your handwriting...

the antiquity of a somewhat last art has always been dear to my heart. hand written notes move the heart as technology never can.

Kathleen Overby said...

LL-of course you know what kything is. Glynn-you are the closest thing to a Dear Frankie in my life...hope it doesn't freak you out. Maureen-I will picture at the mailbox treasuring what you find. Nancy-I love strange.
Laura, Katdish & Susan-if you see it, get back to me with your reaction. Brian-I liked your blog very much, it will be good to get to know you.
Claire-you are so right. Soon.....

SimplyDarlene said...

Like the others, I now yearn for the book and/or the film.

This is my favorite:
flying mind to heart to soul

And might I add "to hand" when that echoing mailbox holds a penned part of a dear friend? Me, too. I have my drawer of cards and envelopes--ready to fly!

Blessings.

Unknown said...

me too... me too.

Lyla Lindquist said...

Loved that movie... One of those it seemed so few saw (and now, seems your comments confirm this). Thanks for bringing it to memory.

Anonymous said...

I've never seen that movie. You make me want to! :)