A short video clip of silent screen star Clara Bow’s movie “It” after which she became known as the “It Girl”:
Sensuous flapper,
roaring twenties vamp.
Noncomformist,
she was herself.
Provocative screen star
even through silence.
Earnest simplicity
was her appeal.
Sexual mores
she helped chill out.
Coy glances with
dark eyes smouldering.
Poised yet free-spirited,
the “It” girl.
Those “bow”ed lips
brought her fame.
My entry for dVerse prompt Silent Films http://dversepoets.com/2011/09/03/poetics-shhh-silent-films/
Anna Montgomery
/ September 4, 2011I always wondered where that expression came from. “she was herself’ I supposed we could all learn from that :). Thank you.
Bodhirose
/ September 5, 2011I agree–we all could learn just to be ourselves–something freeing in that don’t you think.
Thanks, Anna.
brian
/ September 4, 2011oh yes, she had IT going on for sure…and definitely needed no words….poised yet free spirited…i like that….smiles.
Bodhirose
/ September 5, 2011She is fascinating to watch. Thanks, Brian.
Inside the Mind of Isadora
/ September 4, 2011I didn’t know that’s where that expressions came from. Great info … and video.
Love the roaring 20′s.
Toodles,
Izzy
Bodhirose
/ September 5, 2011That was a special time in history. I love that little video clip that I found–I love that old-fashioned sound too.
Hugs,
Gayle
Madeleine Begun Kane
/ September 4, 2011She was great, and I enjoyed your poem about her.
Bodhirose
/ September 5, 2011Thanks, Madeleine! :)
liv2write2day
/ September 4, 2011Forgot about her, Gayle. Fun write…loved the line about chilling out.
Bodhirose
/ September 6, 2011She was something wasn’t she. She did shake-up thoughts about sex back then but she wasn’t vulgar about it.
Thanks, Victoria.
Sheila Moore
/ September 4, 2011fantabulous description of the girl who definitely had “it” (and also invented “it” :)
Bodhirose
/ September 6, 2011Thanks a lot, Sheila. She definitely had “It”!
Jamie Dedes
/ September 5, 2011I love Clara Bow. Great poem and vid.
I once saw some of her costumes and hats in a special display at the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento. Gayle, she was the tiniest thing. I don’t even think she would be big enough for today’s size ones.
Happy Birthday, Florida Girl:
Bodhirose
/ September 6, 2011I love her too! I had no idea that she was that tiny, Jamie. I would have enjoyed seeing her costumes.
Thanks for the birthday surprise greeting here, Jamie! I had a great day!
Love and hugs,
Gayle
Lorna's Voice
/ September 5, 2011Well done once again. You honor a legend in a simple yet dignified poem. She would be proud!
Bodhirose
/ September 6, 2011What a nice compliment, Lorna–thank you!
S Basu
/ September 5, 2011this was very interesting gayle,i have seen handcounted silent movies so ….working in them was a really tough job i think. to make yourself understood without speaking is tough game.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH LOVE, HAPPINESS, HEALTH, WEALTH AND EVERY THING WONDERFUL THROUGH OUT THE YEARS TO COME.
MAY THIS DAY COME BACK TO YOUR LIFE AGAIN AND AGAIN WITH GREATER JOY.
check out my blog for cyber greetings please.
lots of love.
Bodhirose
/ September 6, 2011I’m sorry I’m so late responding to your lovely greetings for me, Trisha. I was out most of the day and late into the night.
I so appreciate your loving words for me–it means so much. May your words be true for us both. I really want the same for you, dear friend.
Warm hugs and lots of love,
Gayle
S Basu
/ September 13, 2011well, all i wanted was you read it on your birthday- that is enough for me and it happened. :)
let me know when you get the greetings via snailmail
Bodhirose
/ September 14, 2011Thank you for caring. I’m glad I saw it on my birth date too.
Nothing yet by snail mail as of today.
S Basu
/ September 15, 2011do let me know after getting it. i will be waiting to hear the news from you too.
I really hate Indian Postal Department.
Bodhirose
/ September 15, 2011I will let you know as soon as I get it. I won’t wait to notify you, Trisha. I know you are anxious about its arrival.
S Basu
/ September 16, 2011yes. there is a letter in it too.
Bodhirose
/ September 16, 2011I know there is–I’m excited to get it! Lots of love… :)
becca givens
/ September 5, 2011This is a great tribute to the silent screen legend!
Happy Happy Birthday, special one … with many more to come!!
Bodhirose
/ September 6, 2011Thank you, Becca for the comment on the poem and for your lovely birthday greetings for me. I so appreciate it!
Love and hugs,
Gayle
ogungbesan20
/ September 6, 2011A TRIBUTE INDEED. THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE IT
Bodhirose
/ September 7, 2011So glad you like it. You’re welcome!
Daydreamertoo
/ September 7, 2011They had to really know how to act in those silent movie days, all with movement and facial expressions. There were some real beauties then too. Very nice prose.
Bodhirose
/ September 7, 2011So true–and many beauties back then. Right after I wrote this, I caught a silent movie on TV–they’re fun to watch.
Thanks so much.
Gayle ~
Poets United
/ September 7, 2011Thank you for joining Poets United. We look forward to visiting your blog and reading poetry. We also look forward to seeing you in our community.
Ink runs from the corners of my mouth
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry.
~Mark Strand
Bodhirose
/ September 7, 2011You’re welcome. I look forward to my visits there.
Androgoth
/ September 7, 2011A very interesting posting my friend and thank you for calling into my Space today and reading my Script, do call by anytime that you are in the neighbourhood as you are most welcome in My Gothic Realm my new friend :)
Have a delightful evening and
indeed a most wonderful Thursday also…
Androgoth Xx
Bodhirose
/ September 8, 2011You have a very unusual and interesting Space and thank you for the warm welcome.
Peace,
Gayle
lesliepaints
/ September 9, 2011Great post, Gayle. I knew nothing of her, but enjoyed video and poem, both.
Bodhirose
/ September 10, 2011Thanks, Leslie. Somehow the prompt of “silent films” made Clara Bow pop into my head–I don’t know why. I’m glad you enjoyed this information about her.