Over the Rainbow

Written while confined to home

Over the Rainbow

10 April 2020

10:21

It began at an art session for children during the lockdown

"Paint a happy picture, some thing to make people happy and cheerful"

 

As they began to paint a few were drawing multi coloured ribbons and rainbows

"Why are you drawing rainbows?

"Over the rainbow is blue sky's where birds sing and people are happy, we want people to be happy"

 

The rainbows were painted the tutor said to take them home and put them in their window to show that happy children were living there and make people who passed happy

People asked where they got the rainbow and what it was for

"Can you make one for me? 

 

The Rainbow was accepted as a symbol of love for all the workers who are keeping our communities going in difficult times

A symbol of hope for the future

From our children out future

 

Somewhere over the rainbow

Sky's are blue

Birds sing over the rainbow

Why then

OH!

Why can't I?

 

Wild Rose

April 2020

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Here in the USA, the RAINBOW symbol is solidly owned by gay/lesbian communities/events. I just wrote a poem entitled "Rainbow Meadow" -- only referring to an abundance of color -- but I fretted over whether this might be taken as a "gay" poem since it was somewhat collaborative with gay friends on Facebook. All that being said, I'm in favor of taking back the RAINBOW symbol, since it can mean so many fun & interesting things. The "Over the Rainbow" lyrics are well-used in your story and a great visionary tactic to suggest there's SO MUCH MORE "out there" beyond what we often spend our lives being immersed in!?!?! Here's wishing you & yours all the best for this Easter weekend (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Wild Rose]

Thank you Margie > I didn't know the "gay" implications in USA
My wife reminded me it was to be a picture for a sick girl - something to cheer her up
I wonder should I add something like (A message of hope) after "Over the rainbow" title

[barleygirl]

No, I didn't mean for you to change anything. I was just showing you the mind trip I went on as I struggled with using the word "rainbow"!

[LazerRays]

As a gay person, I can sort of agree with the “the rainbow being a gay thing” because the symbol kinda was claimed. But sadly, it’s like any symbol now, once it gets associated it’s hard not to associate it. Though, picture it this way, LGBTQ people were once wishing for somewhere over the rainbow to be themselves. So maybe it fits. I dunno. But honestly, In all opinion, I think nobody can really own the rainbow. I mean, to Christians (which I also am) it’s the symbol of God’s promise. And to my Native American grandmother, something breath taking from nature spirits (or something)

The rainbow is too cool to be owned.

[barleygirl]

LOVE that you stopped by share your point of view. This is very instructional for all writers to be sharing this way. Thanks for sharing!

[LazerRays]

Haha, there’s one thing I love about this site, is that it’s peaceful. Unlike the real world, if you say your opinion, everyone gets political. So thank the good community of writers on here 😁😁😁

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello my dear friend.
"Somewhere over the rainbow
Sky's are blue
Birds sing over the rainbow
Why then
OH!
Why can't I?"
I loved the above lines. I play board games with my grandchildren and my youngest can beat me at chess at seven year old. I hope you are doing well and thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Wild Rose]

Just one of those things which caught on here
The children playgroup was on TV

Like clapping to show solidarity with out NHS workers 18:00 Hr Thursday
Then It became cold and wet

A few NHS workers were caught as they were walking home & said they had tears

Thanks for the comment
First day here we have woken up to no frost and ice for 3 weeks

[Coyote Poetry]

Here in Michigan. Another bad week is coming. A late Winter. Easy December and January. But the apples and the potatoes need the ground to be frozen. We need some Winter in Michigan. Good morning and you are welcome.

[Wild Rose]

It has been minus at nights (Only -3 here, some places in N Scotland have had -20)
Today is said to reach +7 and first weekend in march +17

[Coyote Poetry]

We are doing the same. Michigan and Great Britain. Same weather. You have the sea and we have four great lakes touching Michigan. I need a warm day my dear friend.

[Wild Rose]

Ah this is the Lake District > Sea< Lakes & mountains

[Samuel Dickens]

A very sweet story. (It warms my heart) Who doesn't love rainbows? Never do they fail to fill me with wonder.

[.]

I'm so happy to know that you're alright and doing art during this lockdown... we will be meeting our people soon after this pandemic. We send love to everyone during this time.
Lots of love and best wishes
Be well!

[Wild Rose]

Still awaiting results of blood tests saying all is OK to mix with others I need to achieve the required blood count

[.]

Don't worry you'll be fine :) You can add more iron to your diet. I watched some videos by health experts yesterday... Doing easy physiotherapies of myself... it's helpful.

[Einstein Noodle]

what could be more uplifting than Judy Garland singing "Over the Rainbow" and watching as children paint and draw them ... what a delight to think of driving down the road and seeing them light up windows everywhere ... knowing that children live there and dream .. and have a future full of light ... we adults just have to keep working at it eh!? try not to leave them such a big mess ;{
E.

[Wild Rose]

Thanks Einstein Yes the children do have their dreams for the future, But I/we wonder (having lived through so many and varied situations) Do they worry like we did about getting caught up in things themselves - How will it affect their lives
Our hopes have to go for them still

[Eilis]

It seems like anything that brings people together in a time like this is a special gesture. I’ve read a few offerings in the cafe regarding the rainbows in windows in the UK, and I love the idea. I haven’t seen anything similar in the US but I imagine in larger cities there will be people looking to reach out to others in their solitude in similar ways.

I enjoyed your associations with The Wizard of Oz because that is also a story of peril and hope. The understanding that there is always something on the horizon that will comfort and enrich if we have vision and patience.

These are tough times, but there’s always a rainbow and the mystery of what rests beyond it in beauty and peace. I enjoyed this.

[Wild Rose]

Thank you Eils
We have started to clap in support of the NHS workers - no in fact for ALL those working for the community now > We have a chap across the road comes out in fancy dress >> Musicians play over the rainbow on whatever instrument they have > sounds great on Scottish bagpipes

[SerpentDove]

..very sweet to read on the art project and the intentions of the children.. so sweet!

[Wild Rose]

Thank you > things that appear during times of adversity

[LazerRays]

This story was adorable. Oddly, even being gay, I didn’t associate the title as a gay thing. I really like the sad little time it starts out with that eventually leads to change of events. Hope grows and spreads in the form of drawings of Rainbows. Everyone thinks of the blue skies and want that change! A really short and sweet story, much enjoyed!

[Wild Rose]

Thank you > Mt wife informed me that the children were asked to send a message to a girl who was sick

I am at risk just now & confined to home (improving) I was given a rainbow for my window last Thursday evening > I had stood in out closed porch to clap
It is times like this when you learn who your friends are
Keep safe . and do your best to enjoy what we have

[LazerRays]

True eye! Sweet story :) take care and be safe

[Intothemilkyway]

Really enjoyed this one. The ending is just perfect. In the time being that we are quarantined this is very cheerful. Rainbow does show peace and love. Let's all hope for the best just like rainbow after rain.

[Wild Rose]

thank you . To think it began at a kids art session with a happy message to a sick girl
It has expanded

[Chris Shaw]

We have rainbows in the windows of our street. They are delightful. One child has chalked her rainbow on the pavenent to ensure that those walking past see it. Rainbows are a sign of hope when the going gets tough. It is certainly tough at the moment. Keep safe Wild Rose, you and your Lady.

Chris

[Wild Rose]

Thank you Christine
I an confined to barracks for now - underlying problems

[Chris Shaw]

Take care and keep safe.

Chris