Four years old, seated in the gymnasium of the community center where mama, new immigrant, was receiving language lessons.
I was shy (then) because I had trouble communicating in the foreignness of English, so I saucer-eyed-stared rather than spoke.
(Mostly, I watched my small bare legs splayed out ahead of me, ending in white patent leather shoes that I loved dearly shiny and shinier still.)
I sat with my back to the window, my tiny doughy fists always frantically clutching Where The Wild Things Are.
The characters were my safety blanket I understood as they were written in Child.
It remains my favourite book of all.
And every time I see this trailer, I cry.
(Thank you, Mr. Sendak & soon Mr. Jonze.)
8 Comments:
Anonymous lily said…
I fucking love this entry, Maha. This is a differnt way to write for you and I fucking LOVE it!
You’ve used only a few words and you’ve managed to bring so many images to light. Nice.
Are you trying new writing tricks out?
I love this book too. -lily
Tue Jul 21, 01:40:00 PM
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Blogger Clay said…
I never read Where the Wild Things Are as a kid, but the trailer makes me want to.
And Lily, thanks for what you said earlier. =]
Tue Jul 21, 05:55:00 PM
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Anonymous Maria Calvo said…
O I love this little story too! I think it’s only a few sentences, right???? That trailer makes me sad too, especially when one of the little monsters is crying and sniffling! Sad little guy :O(
I love the way you’ve written this, maha it’s so short but there’s so much in it. Is this an expriment?
Hugs,
Maria
Tue Jul 21, 10:10:00 PM
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Anonymous Thomas said…
This was a beautifully illustrated story and that trailer looks wonderful.
Thank you for posting it and also thank you for your short and very imaginative description of you as a child, Maha.
Thomas
Thu Jul 23, 12:38:00 PM
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Anonymous Anonymous said…
amazing! thanks!
Thu Jul 23, 11:44:00 PM
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Blogger alisa said…
This is one of my all time favourites as well. When I saw the trailor, I got goosebumps all over and teared up as well. I cannot wait to see it!!! Maurice Sendak is such wonderful Children’s author.
Miss you Maha!! I’m in London, Ontario now. Going to Western in Sept. If you ever come down this way, please let me know!!
Mon Aug 10, 11:59:00 PM
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Anonymous Naomi said…
me too, me too!!
Fri Aug 14, 08:03:00 PM
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Blogger one female canuck said…
I was fooling around with different ways of writing and this one sort of fell out – it’s so nice that you’ve all enjoyed such a short little entry!
Clay – rec you take a peek through the book next you’re in a bookstore!
ALISA! I miss you too, pretty girl – and I often cruise and snoop your Face profile to stalk you ![]()
Of course I will let you know as soon as I am in your neighbourhood. It is so strange to be on the same continent as you after so long!! And you too, right – you have to let me know if you’re heading into town or even heading to Montreal (I’ll jump over to see you).
xoxoxo Naomi
m
Fri Sep 11, 09:32:00 PM