The Slam: Slammables
A Reply to the Velveteen Rabbit
by Melita
Since earliest childhood, you have haunted me:
this story of pale blue rooms with sturdy furniture and small windows,
and an eggshell-frail child, jealously guarded
by battalions of beady-eyed toys.
But knowing everything I’ve cast off,
how could I not also feel guilt at the sight:
a threadbare toy, once loved, crying,
abandoned anguish making button eyes real?
Leaving such binding love isn’t easy.
Nursery windows are only glass, skeletal
fingers of wood imprisoning the tiny panes,
but when I break through them, how sharp.
Keeping my dolls long after I needed them,
and to each apologizing for growing up so soon,
I couldn’t help but feel at fault
for leaving, for not leaving.
Beautiful, descriptive language... evokes memories of reading the same story as a small child. I love the first three stanzas; they flow wonderfully and convey the emotion I think you are trying to convey -- a sense of deep abandonment. (At least that's the feeling I had.) However, one decision I would make if this piece were mine: I would cut the last stanza, or rework it. I think you have said enough in the first part of the poem, and to leave the reader hanging after "how sharp" would be intriguing. However, that is your personal choice, and I respect it; this piece was wonderful as is. Keep writing!
Dec 2, 2009
You have put into words the way so many people, myself included, feel about this story. An interesting approach to describing the painful transition from childhood to adulthood. I think the last stanza works, simply because it helps the reader understand the previous stanza. Nice!
Jan 10, 2010
I really loved this poem. It is truly touching. I remember at the tender age of five or seven when I first read The Velveteen Rabbit. I thought it was nice. Reading it later, I cried. Your poem touched my heart, just like the book. Brilliantly composed.
Jan 27, 2010

Slammings