Poetry Friday: “George, at Day’s End”
Poetry can come from unlikely places. Like cargo crates.
A couple of weeks ago, I was visiting Catherine Johnson’s blog and she had posted a drawing of a monkey lying on his stomach on a large wooden crate. She asked readers to share a quick poem that might be inspired by the picture. As soon as I saw how exhausted that monkey looked, I knew I had the basis for my poem – and within about 15 minutes, I had it completed.
Now, I’m the type who takes the time to tweak, edit, revise, and re-read my poems over and over again, to make sure they are as good as they can be. First drafts are never final drafts. But after re-reading it literally dozens of times, I’m not sure there’s anything else the poem needs me to do to it.
It doesn’t even need an illustration to accompany it, for a reader to grasp who my subject is.
So I hope you like it…and for more poetry, please visit Margaret at Reflections on the Teche!
“George, at Day’s End”
Found all he could find.
Saw all he could see.
Learned all he could learn.
Been all he could be.
Far too full to eat.
Much too tired to play.
Someone’s had enough
curiosity for one day.
- © 2013, Matt Forrest Esenwine
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Bravo, Matt! A most memorable poem! The Reys would love it. And so would the man in the yellow hat!
Thank you so much, Charles – I truly appreciate it. After I wrote it and was re-reading it, I felt like it had a little bit of that simple, childlike quality that seems so effortless in much of your children’s poetry…so I’m glad it met your approval!
It’s a keeper, for sure, Matt!
Interesting side note. The talented Mary O’Keefe Young illustrated my Christmas Is Coming book a few years ago. She has since been busy illustrating all the Curious George books since the Reys left this curious world.
Thanks again for sharing another one of your gems!
Oh, I love Mary O’Keefe’s work! She does some beautiful watercolours. And in fact, I’ve been reading one of her George books to my little dude just this past week.
Thanks again for taking the time to stop by and comment, Charles. Your support means a lot!
I’m so glad you shared this here, Matt. I didn’t know if anyone would go back and read yours. It is so beautiful. We ought to put your poem on my drawing and sell it ;)
Thanks, Catherine…and thank you, of course, for the inspiration!
Sweet, Matt! Perfect title — no illustration necessary!
Glad you liked it, Tabatha!
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Many little monkeys end the day this way.
Indeed! I know mine does, quite often. And being 3, he’s ready to do it all over again tomorrow!
You nailed it!
Good ol’ George!!
Thanks for a good poem Matt and for the memories. My uncle Jim used to read the Curious George books to my cousins, my sister and me when we’d visit him. He did all the voices and he was wonderful.
Thank you, both! Seems we all have our own memories of Curious George…and hopefully our kids’ kids will, too!
Curious George! Such a fun poem. I always get inspired by Poetry Friday people who find inspiration from most everything around them. Thanks for this. Made me smile.
Glad you enjoyed it, Myra, thanks!