Color Me Loved

I looked at this photo and the song “Color My World” from Chicago came to mind. The title of this poem is a spin off from the song’s title.The photo was seen on Facebook, artist not named.

Color Me Loved

We huddle beneath 

a dull grey sky.

It begins to rain softly 

but our old, faded blue umbrella 

keeps us mostly dry.

I snuggle between your knees 

for warmth and am comforted 

by the silky green velvet 

that hugs your legs. 

 

Gazing into the bottom 

of the empty can of baked beans, 

my stomach growls for more.

I use my finger to taste the last bit 

of the sweet smoky flavored 

brown liquid pretending I had

just finished eating a three course

meal, to stave off the feelings of

hunger that remain.

Cool clear drops of rain 

begin to slide off the wide brim 

of the umbrella splashing 

onto my hands and neck. 

Suddenly the pangs of hunger 

are replaced with an intense feeling

of love and belonging.

Soon I will drift off to sleep

in my mother’s arms.

Author's Note

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

nice scene from a little boy's perspective of poverty, hunger, pain....The photo is perfect too.... it shows us that even hunger can be replaced with love and devotion.
Well done Dara.
Best, Betty

[Dara]

Yes, the photo really captures the bond between mother and son almost oblivious to the dire conditions. Thank you so much for your insight and taking the time to read it, Betty.

[Crosby Idasa]

Wow, every line on this sweet poem softened me. Well written

[Dara]

Thank you my friend! I appreciate your time and wonderful words. Take care!

[Crosby Idasa]

Okay, stay blessed

[emmajoy]

Dara - your words express all Humanity/ The giving of whatever to provide care and above all - love to who means most. A mother is the initial carrier and - carries an all-giving love forever. Forever. Your words are touching to the nth degree, sincerely and finely laid. Thank your for sharing compassion..

' Suddenly the pangs of hunger
are replaced with an intense feeling
of love and belonging.
Soon I will drift off to sleep
in my mother’s arms. '

Keep safe.. take care, please.

[Dara]

Thank you Emma. It is hard to do justice to the stunning photography but the image really stirs up so many emotions. It is great to see you once again! I hope you are keeping safe as well.

[emmajoy]

Photographs, paintings.. reality in focus... can - and should reach our emotions.. or at least show that we have them.

What touched me was the little child.. eating from an open tin and - its lid is there, ready to cut or scratch ...

[Einstein Noodle]

beautiful Dara! your poem draws me in closer with each line and verse... you had me guessing all the way who the comforter was and your closing gives me even more intense feelings of safety and security .. the contrast with the "hinted" at poverty is sharpened by it. I can feel and hear me own belly growling with hunger ... in you poem i get the impression it is a condition felt often by your characters .. but they have that precious of all possessions eh!? ... love .... ;)
E.
ps. great song choice! I listened to it as I read!

[Dara]

Hello! It’s good to hear from you again. The poem was supposedly written as a reaction to the photo I set as the little profile image at top. In retrospect I wonder if I should have added it to the poem itself making it larger but then as you so wisely observed it does make you guess throughout until the end. What do you think? I always always value your opinions. :-)))

[Einstein Noodle]

personally, i don't always look at those pics unless, like Ken Simms does, they are pointed out in the author's note. Ken uses his own paintings .. i have learned here from others that if a pic is used integral to the poem it should be placed at the top ... then the title ... and then the poem. In this one ... that pic makes a big difference to me .. it broadens the meaning .. makes it universal .. something i missed in just reading but would have understood if i looked at the pic first. ;) i think since that is your intent with this poem .. i would put it first ... then the title ... then the poem ;)))

[Dara]

Thank you my friend. I think it makes a big difference.xxx

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ..........................

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

this is a wonderful poem with such human moments of love captured. Also, I remember in the 70s first hearing Color my World growing up. It always takes me back in time to those simpler days. Just like heatwave's... Always and Forever. Thank you for the smile and your sweet poem as well.

[Dara]

Oh my! What a lovely review. I am so glad it took you back to happier days. Heaven knows we could use some of them right now. Thank you very much for your kind words. Take care!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Nothing as close as a mother's love...this is a beautiful tribute, Dara.
The deep appreciation you have for her is so evident.
and here is another really good "Color my World"
song for your enjoyment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-j5hmlGY80

j.

[Dara]

Hi Jacob! You are so right about the love of a mother. It stays with you even after they have gone. I just listened to the other “Color My World” and it took me back to the “ good old days”. Thank you so much for sharing it and for taking the time to read my little story. Stay safe and have a wonderful day!