The March Challenge, in honor of Children's Poetry Day*, wanted writers to consider things from a child's level. Monday's Child posted an illustration of the famed Wonderland tea party, by Fernando Falcone - and bkm asked the question. "...most of us relate to a specific character in Wonderland....Which one are you?"
To respond to all of the above, I wrote a ZaniLa.
Alice
“I am the Hatter; here’s the March Hare,”
said the strange man in my dreams.
“Beware the Queen – she’s terribly mean,
and please know, nothing is as it seems.”
“I am Alice. Pleased to meet you, but…”
I politely asked this pair,
“…she’s terribly mean? Beware the Queen?
It sounds like ghastly tidings you share.”
“Quite,” said the Hatter, “Nevertheless,
it is ‘time’ to serve cream tea.”
“Beware the Queen; she’s terribly mean!”
March Hare poured, as he nodded at me.
With that, the Dormouse woke abruptly.
“Odds Bods! I’m trying to doze.
She’s terribly mean! Beware that Queen!”
He gestured to me. “Queen, I suppose?”
“No!” I cried, “I’m just a little girl!”
Those chaps calmly sipped a cup.
“I’m not the Queen – so what can you mean?”
And then, at that moment, I woke up.
“What a weird dream!” I said to myself.
“How’d things get so out of hand?”
I shook; such strange mien. Still…not a queen,
‘though I’d just visited Wonderland.
###
*Just a quick note regarding children writing poetry (a subject near and dear to my heart!)...next week, on March 29th, I will be teaching a kids' poetry class at Kreative Kids. If you live in the area, and also, for more information, please visit their website. Thanks!
I love it! Brought back all kinds of memories of my daughter playing the Queen of Hearts a few years back.
ReplyDeleteThe is otherworldly in such a form! Brava!
ReplyDeleteWonderful play of this long told story. I like your dreams.
ReplyDeleteRJ...you are always a delight to read. I love how you "play" with Language. What joy!
ReplyDeleteBTW...It was my sons 10th birthday this past weekend...double digits. bittersweet time...mom doesn't want to let go.
Great ZaniLa, RJ. Good thing Alice woke up right in the nick of time!
ReplyDelete~laurie
A wonderful treatment using an old classic. I was trying to remember how old I was when I read about Alice and Wonderland. Must have been around 10 or 12.
ReplyDeleteJust wonderful and you took us through your visit to Wonderland...its up and downs..beware the Queen of Hearts...yes, glad you woke up before she had your pretty head....thank you for joing in the trip to Wonderland this week...bkm
ReplyDeleteHow great that you told a surreal tale from a surreal story of Alice. No, you are NOT the Queen. :) This was fun to read!
ReplyDeletehttp://judyidliketosay.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-would.html
CM - thank you!!! I'll bet your daughter rocked as the Queen of Hearts, too!
ReplyDeletehoneyhaiku - thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteReflections - thanks a whole bunch! ☼
ReplyDeleteElaine - thanks - and Happy Birthday to your son! I know exactly what you mean. ♥
ReplyDeleteLaurie - thanks so much for your kind words!
ReplyDeleteMike - thanks! I think I was probably the same age when I read that classic too.
ReplyDeletebkm - thanks! But you were the one who provided the inspiration! ☼
ReplyDeleteJudy - thanks! But I have to say, in my house, my dog actually holds the honor of Queen! hehe
ReplyDeleteAn amazing dream and awakening! So fanciful...
ReplyDelete