I wrote THE HAPPY BALLOON in response to the #Whatdoyousee # 196 July 24, 2023 Poetry Prompt.
The Happy Balloon
The Happy Balloon
I am a happy balloon
See the smile upon my face?
A hand held me not long ago
And took me place to place
A gust of wind stole me from my friend
And dropped me in the road
I didn’t think this was the way I’d end
so lost and all alone.
The cars drive by very close
Tragedy draws near
Unless my friend comes for me
My destiny is clear
Too late!
My fate
Is close at hand
A lorry is on its way
Its heading straight
t’ward the gutter—
the gutter where I lay
I splutter
in smiled dismay
and exhale a sigh
I fear the cast is die
(I’m a balloon, you can’t expect me to get sayings right all the time)
‘tis time to breathe my last
A tyre will flatten me
I’ll be squished and squashed it’s true
Please do not weep,
What has to be will be—
There’s nothing you can do.
Except, do as I do
and keep smi…
Lesley Scoble, July 2023
NOTE The die is cast The saying “The die is cast” comes from Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor. In 49 BC, he uttered the phrase “Alea lacta est”, which translates to The die has been cast (or the die is cast). The dyslexic balloon got the words the wrong way round. Understandable in the trying circumstances. To throw or cast a die (singular of dice) in a game of chance is a decisive action setting wheels in motion, although the outcome is as yet uncertain. The course of events and irrevocable outcome are unknown, but are now set and inevitable. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Thank you Sadje, for your happy smiley face #WDYS inspiration 🎈 Image credit; Nathan Dunlap @ Unsplash
The Red Balloon
On the theme of balloons, you might enjoy watching this classic film short that I remember from my childhood. The film Le Ballon Rouge won many awards. I recall being very moved by it. I’ve never forgotten it.
Watch the short 3 minute clip below.
To watch the full length 34 minute film follow this link
Lesley lives in the City of London Square Mile. An artist, actor and sculptor (her first ceramic sculpture won the V&A inspired by… Award). Scenic artist & book illustrator, playwright, (her musical play, Rapscallion performed in inner city schools and theatre school); TV dancer; Animator and illustrator for TV production. Set up Pinecone Studios Ltd and IIMSI Ltd drama and filmmaking workshops in London – producing award-winning films made by children.
LesleyScoble.com 
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