A Girl Named Norma Jeane

A Girl Named Norma Jeane

                   “Death only claimed the breath of you…”

 

 

Her allure has never waned.

It is written within the revelations of poets,

categorized upon the bookshelves at Barnes & Noble.

Immortalized by “The Candle in the Wind”.

 

It languishes high in the hills of California,

in the summering youth of adolescent boys

and in gentleman

who still prefer blondes.

 

It is the antithesis of Norma Jeane,

a girl who became a Hollywood icon.

Who sipped champagne

with all the President’s men.

 

Who wore pearls with pencil skirts

and birthday suits.

 

…and only Chanel #5 to bed.

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[emmajoy]

'.. the breath of you.. ' for me, the words.

However, that last line is very much the invisible phrase on a tomb stone...

For some reason i always think o Norma Jean as a frail creature, a wisp of a woman who became something she wasn't. Seen pics of her singing Happy Birthday to JFK, seen her with other men.. but the only one who made her eyes shine was Arthur Miller - the man of letters, a hunk of a man who perhaps saw that fragility. Have only read snippets and seen repeats on late TV.. but think of her as child.like.

Your poem it superb, as ever your work is, but for me, wraps her in the allure I've seen as a facade. Your writing is blistering whatever you write, you strike chords - must read again, consider, re.consider.. x

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's a joy for me to read your reviews, Em. I totally agree with what you said - there was such a fragility to her that no one could ever free her from. If only...

Thank you so much, Em. As always, the warmth of your words offers me much joy!

[emmajoy]

I tell truth, love... your work touches places because what you write, you mean..

[Tazeen Ahmed]

Riveting theme, syntax and lines.
I wonder if you were any close to her.
When personalities die, their fame still flows with the air!
Thank you for sharing :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for such a compliment!

[barleygirl]

This is awesome. I have to admit, she's so written about & memorialized, I started out wondering what could be said anymore? But you managed to pluck out a few precious & recognizable details that come together as an understated tapestry of the icon she was & is. Good job editing down to the essentials. I love a well-manicured message.

[Kelly Scheppers]

So true! There's so much that's been written about her through the years that it's becoming increasingly difficult to capture her...but I'll continue to try as long as there are people and poets like you to read them - thank you so much!

[C. M. Miller]

You light candles everyday with your verse. Some awesome comments from previous reviews, and I have to humbly echo their comments.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It always gives me a thrill to have your insight on whatever I do - thank you!

[Einstein Noodle]

last week i set my DVR to record all her movies that cam up ;) i am familiar with your respect for her and this tribute and remembrance touches me ..her story such a tragedy .. she was everything she wanted yet had no idea she was ;((( especially like your third line ..it keeps it so real ..
E.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I did the same thing! One of these days I plan on buying a box set of her videos from TCM. Even though I've seen every one of them, I still want them in my collection. I'll never have enough memorabilia of her!

[Einstein Noodle]

your the best Legs!

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Always loved her
I wrote a poem of her years ago
On paper lying somewhere
Loved yours

[Kelly Scheppers]

...thank you, Julie...so glad you enjoyed it!

[Tony Jordan]

Another chewed up by the Fame monster. It's sad that her memory is glorified as if a poster girl to bring more into the machine "Fame Needs YOU!" but her true tale is far from glorious as you allude here in poignant dignified poetry Kel.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I am able to visit her crypt at the cemetery in LA pretty frequently, and it's always like seeing it for the first time - every time. She was such an icon, and continues to live within the hearts and minds of those who loved her. So glad you enjoyed my dedication, Tony! ...many thanks!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Strange how we can idolise and immortalise someone in the public eye so easily. Be it a film (movie) star, footballer or singer. Nice tribute capturing the essence of the story in an eloquent verse. 'Candle in the Wind' also connects another Iconic woman-Princess Diana.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Yes, Diana was so loved here in the states, as well as the world. To lose her at such a young age in such a way was truly tragic. Thank you so much, John!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

what a great ending...reminds me of that line in Candle in the Wind..."all they had to say was that Marilyn was found in the nude"
but yes, as well as we thought we knew this icon...as Elton sang...."goodbye norma jean, i guess i never knew you at all"
i love this poem...and there was such an allure and mystique about her...just the other night i was watching "the river of no return" she starred with Robert Mitchum and Rory Calhoun in that ..
thank you for this poem, Kelly

j.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I've seen practically all her movies, including the one you mentioned with Robert Mitchum. It was on the other night, but I always love seeing her one more time on the screen. Mitchum was such a great actor, wasn't he? He had such a presence about him. Thanks so much, Jacob!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

he did...and amazingly never won an oscar....
yes, that movie was on the other night...and i watched it again---
such a mystique about her, and the way she died.

j.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall THAT night. But like a spider in its web, the truth shall rear its ugly head!

[Coyote Poetry]

She create myth and tale that can't be forgetting. Her beauty tempted great men and made the public. Love her beauty and her smile. Your kind words brought back to life. A legend of my time. Thank you dear Kelly for sharing the amazing poetry and thoughts.
Coyote

[Kelly Scheppers]

You are always so kind, John...thank you so much!

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Kelly.