Sarah Flanigan - Poetry Simply Put

Mar 25 2007

sarah flanigan

Car Funeral

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No Responses to “Car Funeral”

1. David Schleicheron 25 Mar 2007 at 4:00 pm 1

   This reminded me of the time when I was kid, probably about nine or ten, and my parents (a one car family) got rid of the only car I ever knew (a little blue Chevy hatchback) and bought their first “new” car. They were so excited, and they had said they might keep the little blue Chevy hatchback as a back-up…an idea which I loved, because I loved this car (I can still remember being small enough sitting in the backseat where my feet dangled and did not touch the floor). But they didn’t–it was trashed for parts by the dealership…and I was so crushed, and I remember crying that night!

   My first epic feeling of loss…and over something material! My dog died shortly thereafter (at least in my memory of the events, though it may have been over a year between tragedies)…and I didn’t cry, because I felt I had over-reacted towards the car, which surely wasn’t as tragic as the dog I grew up with dying (and being cremeated! Oh, how I wanted to bury it in the back yard and have a funeral!). Thus my quiet stoicism during tragedy was born.

   Funny how your short little poem affected me so much and brought such a flood of memories!

   By the way…what is that painting? I love some of the art on your blog. You must put captions!

   david that is a great story and you should write it. i could completely envision the sad little boy who missed his car. i’m glad my poem inspired memories for you - what a nice compliment.

   the picture is a painting by schiele called mourning woman. i found the image on google images. that’s where i find most of the pictures i use. unfortunately, i use the pics to forward the concept of my own piece so it would defeat my purpose to caption them. sarah

2. dragonlifeon 26 Mar 2007 at 3:06 am 2

   Well, I never drove a car, would you believe it!
   But I could replace “chevy” with all the bicycles that served so well and kept me fit…
   Cheers,
   Robert-Gilles

   yes robert i do believe you about not driving. and i can envision you on your many bicycles over the years. tres cute.

   bonjour!
   sarah

3. spasmicallyperfecton 27 Mar 2007 at 8:03 am 3

   Hm, sad, and yet happy, remembering the rescued black leather car seat that still sits in my sister’s living room from my Mother’s orange R4 (Renault) that was crushed into cube of metal when we were little kids.
   And gratitude for the love and understanding of my father who kept it for us and made it ‘livingroom’ efficient.

   you know, i’m amazed by the memories this little haiku has seemed to stir in others. i guess we all do get attached to special ‘things’ in our lives, almost as much as we do to people. how sweet that your father made a chair out of what was left of the car. i love things like that.
   sarah

4. krkbakeron 28 Mar 2007 at 6:27 am 4

   I think the haiku best suited the memorial for the beloved car. Now a haiku for the new one?

   maybe later for the new one - i am still in the bonding process with her.
   sarah

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