The Key

This is a very rough first draft of - something or other -- I'm not too sure what. To me, it smacks of 19th century melancholia, and I'm not sure why that's the flavor that should come out tonight, since that's not how I'm feeling at all - neither melancholy nor over a hundred.

The image came first, and these are the words that came from looking at the photo I composed with this old skeleton key my father-in-law accidentally kept from a visit to London many years ago; I  photographed it on a salvaged piece of junk mail.

I thought I wanted to write about the key to imagination, but each time I touched the keyboard, these are the only words that wanted to come, so I guess this is what lies behind the door this particular key opens...

Once the key

knew exactly

what to do,

it knew where

it fit in the scheme

of things -

back when it was the

keeper of dreams...

the watchman of trust -

dangling from its rings;

locking out intruding ways,

keeping the silver,

the family jewels,

and the lovers safe;

guarding the children

as they slept, then

opening the door wide

to welcome everyone

back in again.

In those days

it still tumbled

with the lock,

singing in the key of B

for bolted,

the key of C

for closed,

the key of E

for exit and for entry,

whichever was proposed.

As the years wore on,

it passed through fewer hands,

till at last there was

just the old woman alone

And now even she's gone,

the key sings no more.

Both its partners -

the lock and even

the trusty solid door--

are gone in all but dust

and memory,

while the key lies

now forgotten,

where she hid it last fall,

left to rust

under a garden stone,

dreaming of the days

when it was The Key

to all -

the key to Home

'The Key' can be found at Writer's Island, this week.

Came back to remind you - tomorrow there will be dancing under the moonlight, here in Blogland, when the doors open to the wonderful, magical Bloglandia Ball.

My dress is still on the drawing board - yikes! I hope it will be ready in time, or that my fairy blogmother will appear to wave her magic cyberwand - so I best get busy. Where are all the helpful little forest creatures when I need them? Though I do have some overly helpful cat assistants - ready to rip seams or considerately iron some wrinkles flat by lying upon it, hee hee.

Ok, I'm off to design me a ballgown...wish me luck!

Comments

[gautami]

Keys do fit in scemes. We just do not see that at times.

Liked your post!

[gautami]

oops!

*schemes

[gautami]

oops!

*schemes

[marja]

I can relate to this although not much jewels but yes guarding the children and our key still sings. Beautifully written Thanks and thanks for your visit:)

[artzyjudie]

LOVE IT!!!! TOTALLY LOVE IT!!!!!It was even more than I expected. It says sooooooo much and flows so smoothly from beginning to end. And the picture is fantastic too. My dh is a locksmith and I am going to get him to read this short story of a key. He'll appreciate it. (Well, I think. Do dh's ever appreciate anything? TeeeeHeeee, we'll see) Great job, Mz. Tink.

[Pacian]

I find it much easier to write melancholy pieces when I'm feeling content and happy.

[Gail]

Came by your way to say thank you for the comment on my blog. Read over some of your post and was very entertained, I really enjoyed this poem about the Key, also the one about the dog putting the toys away. I to am a "collector" and a lover of "old things". Please do drop by my way again . BE BLESSED :-)

[Janet]

All I can say is, I love it. You always touch just the right key when you write.

[Lea]

I love how you listened to the story and told what came as you wrote... and the notes of b, c, e, so lovely in what they evoke! Just a great piece Tinker, I so enjoyed it!

[ther]

WOW. This is a good one. I really liked it. =)

[ther]

btw, i like the illustration as well. interesting key.

[Paris Parfait]

Oh, Terri this is a fantastic poem! I love how you've condensed the history of the key and its importance into your poem. Just brilliant! xo

[khambagirl]

This is really great! I see two things -- first, a love story, like The Secret Garden, and second, a murder mystery, like a broken relationship where he murders her out of love, or jealousy, and he secretly hides her body in the house, behind a locked door and....

Great writing!

[Tumblewords]

Lovely thoughts brought by the key that opened a home full of memories and love.

[desert rat]

Always fascinating to imagine history from an object's viewpoint, which can cross so many generations. Nicely done.

[Glynis]

This is beautiful- like the beginning of a fairy tale. I only wish it were longer!

[kai]

Keys open and key close the doors of our beautiful perceptions.. this is lovely tink..
PEace, Kai xx

[Kimberley]

Your piece reminds me of all those old keys I still have from all the places I have lived. Oh, the stories they have to tell!

The ball sounds so lovely - I'll be the one peeking in through the window. :)

[Fenny]

What a perfect first draft? (I wouldn't change too much) ... this is such a lovely story ... covering all key area's ... love the art work too

[Robin]

I love the way you incorporated musical themes in the telling of the key's history. Personal and poetic at the same time.

[Clare]

I was totally blown away by this!! I
love it and wouldn't change a single word of
it. And the part about the key tumbling with the lock and singing in the different keys was absolutely brilliant and enchanting.
:)

[Tammy]

You made me sad for this gorgeous key that once had purpose. It's still does in a way...hmmm.

HUGS

[Marilyn]

LOVE this!