Child of the Movies

Child of the Movies

 

We learned of manhood from the movies

we boys who’s father’s died too young

choosing to succumb to the slow suicide of the bottle

rather than face the deadening years of soul killing conformity.

Leaving us to the scarred women

who tried their best

but feared we would become our fathers

and crush the hopes of a new generation of girls.

Bouncing on the soles of our feet with hunched shoulders

we mimicked the stars and sought a Warner Brothers life.

And I, like sad eyed Robert Ryan

gazed off into the distance

awaiting the final reel.

 

 

Reviews

[redflutterby]

This touches me deeply...thank you for asking me to read it. Not having a father there is a devastating thing to a child. Young boys grow up with uncertainty of how to be a man.... Young girls search for the father they longed for in relationships that are too often negative. I was one of those girls... Thankfully I had a maternal grandfather who helped fill the gap in the best way he could. Otherwise my life could have been far worse in many ways. So many of society's ills are connected to fatherless homes. While it is better in some ways for a child not to have a bad father in their lives...they will still carry that hole inside for a lifetime. Amazingly profound verse written from your heart.

[SteveB]

Thank you so very much. I hope this helps explain my review of your piece.

[Pryde Foltz]

This begs the question what does it mean to truly be a man. Insightful write.

[SteveB]

You are far, far, too kind. But you help explain why all of us below the St. Lawrence love our neighbors to the north. Thank yo so very much.

[Pryde Foltz]

Thank you.

[Dennis]

I like this deeply reflective poem of life mimicking cinema, and the fractured relationships that carry their own scars to bear. You bring a lot to the table but it meshes so well, the evidence of a skillful writer.

Dennis : ^ )

[SteveB]

I am honored Dennis. Thank you so much. Not only for the review but for every Friday on WPOM.

[Stefon Napier]

This is honestly great. I'm a bit moved. Great work!

[SteveB]

Thank you so much Stefon. You are too kind.

[Angi]

I am picturing those old movie men. They were very different from today's roles. I like this poem, Steve. Angi~

[SteveB]

Does this help explain why your piece hit me like it did?

[Angi]

Yes. Have you seen read Revolutionary road by Richard Yates? It was written in the early 60's. (It was also made into a fairly good movie pretty recently) That is what came into my head. The character, Frank Wheeler. If you have not read it, you should. This poem is Frank Wheeler.

[Rogue]

Again.. Most intriguing..
Something about the last three lines of this left a very strong impression. Sad, poignant.. Dreams of tomorrow on a young boys face..

I have a friend who writes in this fashion.. He tells you a story without really telling you "the story". A difficult thing to do. Yet it is always interesting to the reader that tries to unravel it.

[Peter H]

very sad poem nice allusion to Hollywood movies , i must say this is a peculiar write and i like this one