28 Apr 2013

# 28


Kerry of Real Toad's fame, set us searching for our favourite quote from Harper Lee's wonderful book "To Kill a Mockingbird." For added inspiration, she include a still from the film, and how could I resist an excuse to look at Atticus Finch again? :) This was my choice:-

 “People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.”


The day is dull and overcast;
rainclouds fight the sun.
But I look and see a rainbow -
aren't I the lucky one?

The traffic thunders on the road -
but is that all I hear?
No! Close by a blackbird trills
its song that I hold dear.

It's all about perception;
this point of view we choose,
and if we seek the positive,
what do we have to lose?

Why, just the stress and anguish
that pessimism brings
to you, or me - or even
to 'cabbages and kings!'

With thanks also to the Walrus and the Carpenter, to whom Lewis Carroll gave a wonderful perception all their own. :)

And NaPoRiMo has definitely got me going, for there's a second write for today here!

15 comments:

  1. "Alias Jinksy" has been included in the A Sunday Drive for this week. Be assured that I hope this helps to point many new visitors in your direction.

    http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-sunday-drive_28.html

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    1. Thinks:- I guess you still need to learn how to put a link in a comment...

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  2. I love the photo prompt and your response! thanks.

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  3. So true, Jinksy. I like this. Perception is important. Sometimes it is everything.

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  4. Great points moved into a lyrical feel, an uplifting song. Form = content. Bravo!

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  5. The third stanza hits the nail on the head. Thanks for this message, Jinksy.

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  6. that's great, such an important message as well, and with a bit of creative carroll you can't fail

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  7. Beautifully done, Jinksy. I love that quotation from Atticus Finch (father of the year for 1960, surely) because many people are so closed-minded they could walk through a field of flowers and birds but see and hear nothing.
    K

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  8. This reads like a song. Uplifting!

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  9. This is a lovely little poem, with sound advice. But life isn't always as kind to us . . here's my take.

    "No They Don't!" (generally see what they look for . . . )

    I dropped a half-crown on the floor.
    I searched. I cried "Oh SH*T!"
    when down on my hands and knees -
    I found a thrup'nny bit . . .

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    1. Nice one, Doc Moneybags.** But 'seeing' what lies before us is slightly different from 'looking' for something we've lost!

      **You see, I still remember the days when a half a crown would have meant you were rich. LOL.

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  10. May we look with your eyes. Pessimism is such a bitter way to live.

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  11. This is awesome! I love your positive poem, and the quote is fantastic as well. Harper Lee packed a treasure trove into that novel. :)

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  12. I'm late to the party... away all weekend, but back and swingin'!

    This prompt is bringing out the best in all of us. Your choice of quote makes the poem shine all the more. Perception, beauty in the eye of the beholder... but the most gifted person is the one who sees beauty where others cannot. That's a real gift, Jinksy. Peace, Amy
    Making up for three last prompts, I'm linking you up.
    http://sharplittlepencil.com/2013/04/29/three-making-up-for-lost-time/

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