I'm not sure why, but Bradbury crossed my mind this morning and I remembered this place. I think I came through some years ago looking for the title of a favorite short story ("A Story of Love"). You guys helped.

Like many other people, I first found Ray's work when I was a kid. I inhaled every book I could find and often re-read entire volumes. When I was homeschooling my boys I handed them his work. They all became fans too. They are fondest of "The Martian Chronicles".

Also like many other people, Ray inspired me to begin writing when I was a kid as well. I clearly remember thinking, "I want to write like THAT."

Of course, in the end, I had to learn to write like me, but his deft command of lyrical language and unique grasp of imagery definitely shaped how I thought about words and what I do with them.

Anyway, this morning I recalled a poem I wrote the day he died. I don't write a lot of poetry, preferring and being more adept at prose. But, in a way, I felt like I'd lost a friend that day and poetry was the only thing that would do. It occurred to me that this might be a good place to share it. I hope that's okay.

Jumping off Cliffs
dedicated to Ray Bradbury

--M. Paddock

You were rocket ships in the backyard of the every man,
small boys in summer running toward fairs,
toward sunrise, not growing up, not staying.
And soft rainy days with ghosts clutching the mailman's shirt tails
as he sped down the walk on his bicycle, unaware.
You gave teachers a question to ask and students
a reason to answer;

At what temperature do ideas burn?


You made Mars a place.


You changed dandelions for me forever, and autumn,
autumn will always taste of apples, thanks to you.
I have heard the toynbee convector humming in the corner
for years upon years, but I left it alone because you'd warned me
about unmade things. With you gone, I am tempted
to take it up now, travel to where you were and bring you back here.

Welcome (back) earthshoes48! It gets pretty quiet at times on these forums. Please stick around and post some more!

quote:

Originally posted by philnic:
It gets pretty quiet at times on these forums.

Sometimes in the summer it gets so quiet you can hear the sound of summer running.