The Great Civilizations
New parts for old—magic materials
eyes and ears do dance steps on the stage.
Print spreads the word on horseback, the book
finding the way, measuring the world, making music.
Every room in the house—the bedroom, the bathroom
dining out on teaching and learning, the world of work.
In the kitchen preserving sweets and treats
body and mind, familiar fruits next to the skin.
On the water washday and cleaning chores
improvising on nature, using nature’s materials.
Instruments generating power, lighting
new and synthetic foods—marvels and wonders.
Making things from metal, practical chemicals.
The car is born on two wheels!
Bringing up baby, dressing up, dressing down
in pulses, nuts and oils, fine fabrics, essential fabrics.
Instant riches in playing fields, board games,
gadgets for the home—alternative treatments.
Water and waste in harmony, harvesting the water,
sending messages of Spring and Summer, Autumn and Winter.
In the beginning—signs and symbols. The computer
revolution making and mending ancient games.
© 2016 by Violet Nesdoly (All rights reserved)
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The prompt was to write an index poem. This is a Table of Contents poem — a poem whose title and lines are cobbled together from lines in the table of contents of the book The Origins of Everyday Things. Words in italics are my additions.
The final poem reminds me of surrealism in art. Found poems often strike me that way.
Violet Nesdoly 