Mama's Kodak

I hold in my hand Mama's old fold-up Kodak
In its steel-blue case shut with a tiny curved silver latch.
I carefully unlatch it, watch the worn-out flaky bellows
Extend like an unwelcome, nonfunctional ********,
Emitting a strange smell I remember from my childhood
Seventy years ago, when Mama sternly warned,
"Don't let me catch you playing with my camera! "
But I did, every chance I got; it beckoned to me
Like the epitome of enticement, the soft furry succulent
Cactus she warned us kids never to touch.
But I did, once … once, believe me, and never after!
And I said her camera was the only thing I wanted
That belonged to her when she was gone.
The cactus wrinkled and died years ago from lack of care.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Peck Avatar
March 22, 2021 at 9:12 AM
I love that poem, Milton. It takes me back Cameras, film, processing, looking at the pictures: a quieter time.
Hankins Avatar
March 22, 2021 at 1:49 PM
Thanks so much, Ann. It happens to be one of my favorites, too. I appreciate your visit and your wonderful compliment.
Proust Avatar
March 5, 2021 at 3:29 PM
Well written words indeed. I love "the epitome of enticement" and that it's a cactus. But how dare you use the word "erection", but it's the most functioning welcomed lines in this poem. WHAT imagery that a true poet imagines, and passing on that thought that I wasn't thinking; yet now because of YOUR words I will never look at a Kodak the same. For my son, my "Kodak" was my portable suitcase typewriter, but he has it somewhere to savor. Though the black/red ribbon ink is drying :( Thank you.
Proust Avatar
March 5, 2021 at 7:30 PM
So, if you would, please read my last submission "Witches And More Wood". In it I use the word "faggot" several times, but used correctly. A faggot in ye old days of witch burning, it wasn't uncommon to throw on more wood; plus at that time that the homosexuals started to be thrown in with witches. Killing 1 birdvwith 2 stones, or bundles of wood lol.
Proust Avatar
March 5, 2021 at 7:23 PM
I'm so sorry L Milton Hankins, but I'm on a mission, and seeing a poet of your caliber getting ******** for the word "erection" makes me even want to push further ahead into "who's censoring my linguistic usage rights???????
Proust Avatar
March 5, 2021 at 7:15 PM
BUT now look at my latest submission "witches and more wood". The "terms" of PoetrySoup clearly state no profanity, and then list the really BAD ones; BUT there is a clause that states "if a word is used in a correct way it will not be banned".
Proust Avatar
March 5, 2021 at 7:11 PM
By the way, what name shall I call you L??? I already can't wait to read more of your pieces. I know, by you comment on my "poem" that it's shit, and truly it is, but it was based on the original lust of prohibited word on PoetrySoup. So I changed "fag" to "cigarette" & "penis" to the Zulu "ipipi".
Proust Avatar
March 5, 2021 at 6:50 PM
Perfect because it was poetic. Restrictions placed on what can be said are antiartistic, and my name is Marcela lol.
Hankins Avatar
March 5, 2021 at 4:26 PM
Thank you, Marcel, and I agree wholeheartedly with your initial observation. Yep, I used the word "erection" and someone censored it. I thought it was so perfect for the comparison. Oh, well....
Dorsey Avatar
February 4, 2021 at 3:45 PM
I really appreciated my memory being refreshed about more than the Kodak. Thank you.
Hankins Avatar
February 4, 2021 at 4:05 PM
I'm glad the poem had that effect, Stanley. Thanks for your comment.
Hoffman Avatar
February 4, 2021 at 8:34 AM
Wonderfully written piece, LMilton! It brought back some of my childhood memories and wanting things my mother wore that were very special to her.
Hankins Avatar
February 4, 2021 at 9:31 AM
Thanks, Franci, for your lovely comment.
Cloyd Avatar
February 3, 2021 at 8:02 AM
Its nice to be able to put memories from our childhood into words and making them come alive. I can actually visualize the little boy disobeying his mother by touching something that has caught his fancy, something that belong to the person he loves. Good job!
Hankins Avatar
February 3, 2021 at 9:45 AM
Thanks, Gwendolyn. I appreciated your comments very much.
Dutta Avatar
December 10, 2020 at 8:22 AM
So nicely composed. I admire.
Hankins Avatar
February 3, 2021 at 9:45 AM
I'm glad you read my work. Thanks for commenting. Best of luck in your writing.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 6, 2020 at 7:12 AM
Yes, certain things are irresistible. Well expressed. ;0)
Hankins Avatar
February 3, 2021 at 9:46 AM
Especially an old Kodak! Thanks, Richard, for stopping by.
Ashley Avatar
November 11, 2020 at 4:36 PM
I can imagine the camera beckoning to you, LMILTON, and I can understand why.. and I applaud the fitting end to that prickly succulent as well! :) I loved the reverent spirit of your poem.. and the endearing mention of the cactus. So beautifully and tenderly expressed. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Ashley Avatar
November 11, 2020 at 8:19 PM
Oh, you were at such a young vulnerable age when you lost your wonderful Mother. I think I understand why your Mama’s camera means so much to you.. symbolically.. it’s like what my Mother’s tableware means to me :) Thank you for sharing your deep emotive poem
Hankins Avatar
November 11, 2020 at 7:34 PM
Thanks, Susan. That camera meant more to me than you'll ever know. Mama died when I was 15. I think it was a symbol of something very special about her. Thanks, again.
Dietrich Avatar
November 10, 2020 at 2:17 PM
this is a wonderful poem. I love when something ordinary is made extraordinary through poetry.
Hankins Avatar
November 10, 2020 at 3:59 PM
Thank you, Andrea. I do, too. I was always told my best writing comes out of my own, unique experiences. Thanks for reading it.
Muta Avatar
November 10, 2020 at 12:16 PM
Is this a true story?
Hankins Avatar
November 10, 2020 at 1:00 PM
Hi Jones Muta. Yep, it's a true story. You might enjoy my poem "Comer's Stand" which is also true. I write best about what I know or remember.
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