When she didn't know where something was
in response to my boyhood queries,
my mother always said "Up in Nellie's room
behind the wallpaper." This never failed
to tickle and intrigue me (still does).
Who was Nellie and where was her room?
And why was she hoarding missing objects
behind her wallpaper? One has visions
of a mischievous, if not malicious, female
gremlin, lurking in crannies and dark corners,
pouncing on forgotten or misplaced toys,
coins, pieces of string, school satchels
and anything which might be spirited away
and taken to her attic lair.
There, in the privacy of her room, she would
chuckle and gloat, rubbing her frail hands
together, before stuffing her treasures
behind her cheap and faded wall coverings.
Ah, Nellie, where are you now? I hope
you are still chuckling and hoarding
the multitudinous small objects
of childhood behind your wallpaper
up in your delightfully mysterious room.
A contest entry
- ".....Said" by DolphinLass.
600 points, ended October 19, 2008, 9 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 12 of 12
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Haha I loved this fun write about Nellie, she must have a big room, maybe she has all the odd socks in the world too, and I love your Mums imagination too, I had never heard of Nellie before, thanks for entering.
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That was lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed it; all of it.
My dad used to say "ask old nick"; god knows why.
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I love this write! So whimsical and nostalgic! I think anyone who has a mom who could conjure up a "Nellie" should consider themselves blessed. Best to you in the contest!
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Hehehe, I read the whole poem with a smile on me chops, loved the whimsical feel to it, so relatable too. Never heard of Nelly but me dad used to fill my head full of nonsense, once, when I asked where me mam was, he said, "she's ran away with a black man"! the only black man I knew of at the time was Lenny Henry, I was in tears I tell you,
nic eone Bill, hehe,
Alex.
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I love this! It's so whimsical, and that really appeals to me. I don't remember losing much when I was a kid. My mom was so organized. She kept track of EVERYTHING!
I remember once an English teacher answering, if we asked where something was at, "Right before the AT," she'd say. I'm surprised I never heard that from my Mom. She was a teacher, too, and a stickler for correct grammar.
Anyway, I hope Nellie is there still chuckling and hoarding her found treasure. She's much more clever than Mr. Nobody. Karen
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This gave me such a huge smile Bill. Memories came flooding back of my own childhod.If I ever asked Mum where dad was she always said..."Back o brooksies"..You know to this day I still have no idea where that might be...Lovely write my friend and many thanks for the memories....mal
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The bitch has my nail file, I'll bet!
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I love this Bill, I think we must all have a Nellie who spirits away all the missing articles in the house...but if you know how to find her and her room, please would you let us all know
All the best
Suzie Q
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lol maybe i am nellie... a wonderful piece,
hugs,
georgie,
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Hey Bill
Gremlins? Oh that mind of yours is working overtime. And another fine piece that brings a chuckle out of me.
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