When I Was Very Young

I guess this "National Poetry Month" thing is working. I've certainly been thinking about poetry more than I usually do, mostly thanks to the often poetic Ren, who when I suggested one must suffer some in life to be artistic, posited that since drinking can also inpire creativity, we should have some cocktails. My kind of poetry. (I'll have rum in mine, please!)

She also reminded me of my love of A.A. Milne collections when I was a child. My favorite poem was "Rice Pudding," about poor Mary Jane who does not like rice pudding and refuses to eat it for dinner...again. That's my interpretation anyway. Being a picky eater and hater of rice pudding myself, this piece speaks to me.

Rice Pudding
A.A. Milne

What is the matter with Mary Jane?
She's crying with all her might and main,
And she won't eat her dinner-rice pudding again-
What is the matter with Mary Jane?

What is the matter with Mary Jane?
I've promised her dolls and a daisy-chain,
And a book about animals-all in vain-
What is the matter with Mary Jane?

What is the matter with Mary Jane?
She's perfectly well, and hasn't a pain;
But, look at her, now she's at it again!-
What is the matter with Mary Jane?

What is the matter with Mary Jane?
I've promised her sweets and a ride in the train,
And I've begged her to stop for a bit and explain-
What is the matter with Mary Jane?

What is the matter with Mary Jane?
She's perfectly well, and hasn't a pain,
And it's lovely rice pudding for dinner again!
What is the matter with Mary Jane?

I can tell you what the matter with her is. It's that damn rice pudding 'they' want her to keep eating. No wonder she's beting a brat. I can totally relate!

For Ren

L'amour perdu

Il n'y a pas de soleil aujourd'hui.
Les oiseaux ne chantent pas
Et les fleurs meurent.

Le ciel est noir aujourd'hui.
Je ne souris pas
Et je ne ris pas.

Je pleure aujourd'hui
Parce qu'il ne m'adore plus.

--J.S.

Future Perfect

Chris Palmer called me out. I claimed to have nothing to blog about and he couldn't buy that, seeing as I heard Ray Bradbury speak Wednesday night. CFI-West sponsored an event with author M.G. Lord in conversation with Bradbury. I've heard him speak at a few other events over the past few years. At last year's San Diego Comic Con, Bradbury was on a panel with Forrest Ackerman and Ray Harryhausen. It was almost painful, as it was poorly moderated and not accomodating to the age-related hearing difficulties of Ackerman and Bradbury, in particular.


In spite of Ray Bradbury's age and subsequent health problems, he is sharp and snarky (some may say curmudgeonly), entertaining and inspirational. He does ramble a bit when answering a question, but I think he has earned the right to do that and no one seemed to mind. It is part of his charm.

Ray Bradbury's take-away message was that he is optimistic for the future. He recommended that everyone stay in love with their pursuits, as well as read at least one poem and short story before going to bed each night.

Simple, but sage advice. Not original though. I mean, Ren has been telling us to read poems too!