Papa
Jack was always a joker,
using the animals
for some prank or scheme,
but Lewis loved them
deep and hard.
They were a team:
Lewis,
his Bonnie dog,
and Queenie --
the old mare
who was so patient,
so gentle with Lizzy and Henry.
Lewis has been gone nearly a year,
but whenever a car comes into the yard
they both look up hopefully.
©Mary Lee Hahn, 2016
Mary Lee, these just get better and better (as one might expect as you get more familiar with your characters, but they're mo' better than just that). Having the titles as voices really helps me understand the relationships and the sense of place is coming through strong now too. You must be having the best kind of wonderfun here!
ReplyDeleteHeidi's comment nails it: these poems are amazing! I have a huge lump in my throat for Bonnie and Queenie.
ReplyDeleteOh, man. This one kills me. Mary Lee, you've imbued these pictures with such emotional depth....
ReplyDelete