11 June 2010

Magpie Tales #18...King George VI, 12 May 1937



George the VI would have curled his lips
disgusted at the petty toys made for the 12 of May
logos and dates, and maybe his name, but that's all
cheap things that crack and chip the next day

But for one, made on the last turn of the wheel
faulted slightly, too slightly to tell. It made it stronger
the man who bought it needed a jug, that's all
because he needed it, he kept it safe longer

Cracked by age, no soft hand, weathered by time
spiderweb cracks along  the crown almost invisible,
gossamer threads of age. George could not have asked
for a better reminder of his reign to be visible
seventy-three years after he took the stage.

22 comments:

Rinkly Rimes said...

I enjoyed your unusual approach and also the acrostic. I'm addicted to acrostics!

Sue J said...

Saved, and put to very good use. I like it.

Helen said...

A Magpie full of history and beautifully written. I can't imagine how this King who had not planned on reigning must have felt.

Anonymous said...

Amazing reminder- a cup of an amazing time and reign.well done...bkm

Angie Muresan said...

Very well written. I love how you've incorporated history into it.

Kathe W. said...

I love this! Gossamer threads of age-simply lovely!

CHummelKornell said...

Well done! Great to incorporate history. I really like the fact that you draw strength from imperfection.

brenda w said...

I love gossamer threads of age...beautiful! Nice that you threw in some history too. I'm learning more about this cup, than I ever dreamed. ha!
Great Magpie!

one more believer said...

this has a tenderness that embraces the man who served..the possibility of bringing him to life in a slice of life..the remembrances of a photo and a cup...wonderfully written... waiting game

Tumblewords: said...

A lovely look at the cup - the grace of wabi sabi. So enjoyable!

Jim Swindle said...

This was well-written. I agree that your tenderness toward the man is outstanding; a wonderful reminder that we should treat the powerful as real people.

Tess Kincaid said...

I wonder what he would think today, of all these bloggers writing about one of his commemorative cups? Nice piece.

Lyn said...

History is made so interesting and tender with your words. Thanks..

RA said...

I love the way you made a fault look beautifully important. :)

Aoife.Troxel said...

Thank you everyone. It is lovely to speculate on what George felt about ruling, and how he would feel about all of us imagining...I must confess my favourite line of the poem is spiderweb cracks along the crown almost invisible,
gossamer threads of age
, which seems to be in agreement with most people's opinions. I particularly like the ending, as I worked hard to make it right, and once I got it, it flows very nicely.

Suz said...

it is maravelous how much work you put into these magpies! wonderful!

Brian Miller said...

to be remembered by a spider web cracked crown...nice magpie!

showme said...

what a wonderful spun tale!

rel said...

Perhaps you've hit it on the head; He might think: "finally something of worth from this episode."
Great take on this prompt.
rel

Stafford Ray said...

Dignity was so much a part of him, I doubt the commemorative mug was made back then. Was it, or when he died? Nice piece.

Helena said...

I enjoyed this visit. Very regal-like indeed!

Peggy said...

Nice Magpie