Typecast

In junior high, I learned to type –
I visualize the room;
Typewriters lined up in rows
Is what you would assume.

That is correct, although one detail
Isn’t what you’d think – 
Among the gray or black machines,
One stood out – it was pink.

Another one was turquoise – 
All the rest were rather plain.
I’d always try to claim a color,
Usually in vain.

We’d strike the keys to practice speed – 
F – G – F – G – F – G;
But looking up, that turquoise
Was the only thing I’d see.

I’d envy anyone who had
The turquoise or the pink.
Occasionally, I’d get one
And my world would be in sync.

I read an article last week
That typewriters are back,
Younger folks discovering
The joys of clack clack clack.

I’d love to have my own – 
It would connect that early link;
But only if I’d find one
Colored turquoise or hot pink.

Let me know if you should hear
That one still does exist;
I’ll be typing queen again,
Just like I reminisced. 

http://www.primetimerhyme.blogspot.com/ ilene bauer
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Beaufort Avatar
April 2, 2024 at 5:59 PM
Ilene, I just wanted to see how many poems you had written and when you started. You've been doing this for a while. This particular poem is wonderful. Hard to believe we used typewriters. You're probably familiar with the typewriter song by Leroy Anderson. I've seen that performed with a typewriter and bell--like the one used to summon a clerk at a hotel desk. Your poems are a pleasure to read!!!!
Slaughter Avatar
August 29, 2023 at 11:08 AM
Wow, Ilene! what a hoot to go back to your "beginnings" here on PS. You've been a very busy gal since then. This piece brings back fond memories for me, too. My typing class was in High School and all the machines were black. My favorite graduation gift, though, was an Olympic typewriter that served me all through college and even beyond. I think I'm going to have fun meandering through some of your earlier pieces. I am envious of the sheer volume of your output over the years.
Bauer Avatar
August 29, 2023 at 11:22 AM
Hey Jim! I love the fact that poems don’t get deleted from the Soup but I’m always shocked and delighted when someone reads one of my older ones. I started posting when I retired from teaching in 2008 and thought I’d post a poem a day for a year - but I never stopped! It become an important part of my life and has allowed me to meet many cool people, like you!
Watt Avatar
May 20, 2022 at 4:14 PM
i also learned to type in junior high school, and i loved it... don't remember any pink or turquoise machines, but those are such a perfect focal point for your reminiscence poem. i hope you have found (or someday will find) one to make your life complete. there's a cute segment in the movie 'You've Got Mail' about typewriters as a symbol for the good ol' days. great writing... had to go back to see your initial post ~ john
Borke Avatar
May 7, 2019 at 3:36 PM
25 typewriters clacking together is music of the past. Where did you go to high school? I intend to catch up on all your poems. So much fun. How do I get to read your poems from before 2011? Did you publish books?
Bauer Avatar
May 7, 2019 at 5:47 PM
Hi Hannah! I'm amazed and delighted that you're tracking down my old poems! I started doing this in 2008 on a blog (primetimerhyme.blogspot.com). I went to Tilden HS in Brooklyn...
Cavanaugh Avatar
December 18, 2012 at 6:03 AM
I just love your poems. This one took me down memory lane; although I never did see a pink typewriter. I will be sending you soup mail. Love this poem.
Horsman Avatar
December 16, 2012 at 9:00 AM
came back to visit your first here on soup, glad i did, not disappointed...
A   Avatar
January 12, 2012 at 8:30 PM
Ilene, congratulations on having your poem featured this week ;-) always,..pd.
Austin Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 2:49 PM
A pink typewriter? Why not? They have pink computers. Good write, ilene. daver
Brown Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 7:42 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Ilene. I wish you the best in 2012 with your writing. Love, Carol
Andresen Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 7:24 AM
Congratulations on the week`s win Ilene! :) oxox love Anne-Lise
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