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| Source: Webomatic |
Tall and compassionate as a willow
tree, Atticus Finch is the man to know.
The male willow of my childhood is not
alive in Tolkien and Rowling's thought
Mine protects children and wards off evil,
relieves pain and—for justice—bears upheavel.
Sitting in the circumference of his arms,
Scout explores humans, their ills and their charms.
Male and female, black and white, and all ages
suffer fairness in Atticus’ stories, exit their cages.
He kills a mad dog but not mockingbirds,
gives Jem models of courage beyond words.
His formula is simple—consider
things from the points of view of others.
“… until you climb inside of his skin and walk
around in it" your knowledge is unjust talk.
I have heard that he has changed non-fiction
legal systems with the arc of his action.
Atticus—kind, unafraid and active—
is my ideal man, is quite attractive.
Played in the movies by Gregory Peck,
he moves like a willow, arms round his neck
as children climb up to see what he sees.
We know we won’t fall.
He puts us at ease.
Copyright © 2015 S.L.Chast
He puts us at ease - a very telling thought to end this piece..how true that our ideal of what a man should be has changed into a kind of parody/superhero figure..a special man is certainly one who is caring and kind and prepared to fight for what is right
ReplyDeleteYes, Atticus Finch is a good example.. though fictional. He definitely was a heroic man, the kind we would all wish to know. Gregory Peck definitely acted the part well.
ReplyDeleteOh how I love this, as I adore the book and own the movie. Love the idea of children climbing up him like a tree to "see what he sees". Fantastic poem, Susan!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, this is meaningful character! and to see someone's view by 'walking in his skin' ~ important step to be compassionate. ~ I read this book in Russian time ago and loved it. ~ Thanks for the prompt, Susan.
ReplyDeleteAs Gregory Peck said, "the role of a lifetime." I love the way you describe him esp., in relation to Scout. Wonderful choice to write about.
ReplyDeleteAn awesome example of a man and a human being...you brought the story to life, Susan.
ReplyDeleteI think there was one scene in the film when the colored housekeeper sitting with Scout in court tells her "Stand up, your father's passing" in admiration of his quality. A great film and classic book. I look forward to reading the sequel with Scout older.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't the African-American housekeeper. I'm pretty sure it was the Reverend of her church. Great scene!
DeleteExcellent observation of a man who - although fictional - changed the thinking of (some in) the legal profession. (Gregory Peck someone special too!)
ReplyDeleteAnna :o]
Atticus was a wonderful character and Gregory Peck's charisma contributed to the character as well.
ReplyDeletechildren will always flock to the ideal man attracted by his divine simplicity...a great job Susan...
ReplyDeleteA beautiful write!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteeven though fictional he is real for children..very nice Susan..
ReplyDeleteAn innovative take from an imaginary character....
ReplyDeletequite interesting perspective of Atticus. i never knew my bilogical father (abandonment) but if i could perceive a
ReplyDeletedad this is also how i would.
gracias
AWESOME. I already loved him when I read the book, then the movie...ahhhhhh. YES. A great choice.
ReplyDelete