A Mockingbird Sings


Cropped hair and overalls,
the judge’s clothing
of a tomboy child.
Dark is dark
and light is light,
there is no gray.

A Mockingbird
sings with the
voice of our conscience,
the abominable
we wish to silence.
To kill its song
we spiral into
our corruption.

Bright eyes dulled
by the demonstration
of adult prejudice.
A father having
to bear the weight
of a world he wished
his child would
never have to see.

©Susie Clevenger 2012



To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite books and movies.
I actually got to meet Mary Badham who played Scout. 
It was a blessing I will never forget.


Ella's Edge Prompt: Movies

Comments

Ella said…
Wow this is amazing and so reflects the movie.
Great photo
I love your imagery
Teresa said…
This is an amazing poem based on the title. I love "dark is dark and light is light, there is no gray." That's certainly true for so many people.
Susie Clevenger said…
Thanks @Ella, and @Teresa for you lovely comments.
Mary Ann Potter said…
Love the poem, love the book, love the movie --- and loved the photo of you with Mary B.! I have seen the movie hundreds of times; when I was still teaching, the curriculum usually included TKAM, and I always showed the film after the kids completed the book. I think I know both book and film by heart. They've stayed with me.
Kerry O'Connor said…
I have read this book probably over 20 times, aloud to my classes, and there are still lines that make me cry each and every time. It's my number 1. Especially: "Stand up, Jean Louise. Your father's passing."

Your words tackled the main issue with the right measure of complexity.
Ed Pilolla said…
i thought that last graph was so hugely full of impact, like dropping a giant block of heaviness between the black and white.
Rallentanda said…
A great movie with poem to match.
Susie Swanson said…
Beautiful you captured it so good..I loved the movie too..Susie
Kay L. Davies said…
One of my favorite books and one of my favorite movies, too. I love to re-read the book every few years. So pleased to know it is read in schools.
K
Marian said…
LOOK at YOU! how cool is that!!!
i too share a special love for this story and film. your poem is appropriately reverent and very lovely, too.
Susie Clevenger said…
Thanks Kerry..the movie/book are so precious to me
Susie Clevenger said…
Thanks Ed...that was the heaviness I felt when thinking on how to approach writing about To Kill a Mockingbird
Susie Clevenger said…
Thanks so much Rallentanda
Beyond Horizon said…
Ah!! I love the book too. and awesomely you carved the whole theme of it in few lines.
Laura said…
one of my favorites too...well done Susie!