Captain Hook and Mr. Darling are traditionally played by the same actor
striding the deck of the Jolly Roger, chest
puffed out under the fancy jabot --
a bit like, yes, like Father huffing around
before an evening out, proper shirtfront
outthrust by an important bay window.
Particular about his cuff links as a pirate
about lace at his wrists. Same air of dashing
yet dastardly middle age. A penchant
for issuing orders and threats, and tying
up uncooperative dogs or Indian princesses.
No wonder we sons and daughters laugh
when Hook sits on the hot toadstool
over Peter's chimney, when Tinker Bell
flits out of his grasp. And especially
at his slapstick flailing through the sea,
pursued by that confident long-jawed beast,
time ticking loud in its belly.
I never read Peter Pan or saw any of the plays. I remember the movie Hook. The Captain Hook descriptions remind me of Captain Jack Sparrow, minus the proper.
ReplyDeleteOne of the major conflicts in Peter Pan is growing up. And who more guilty of wanting us to grow up than our parents, maybe our sixth grade English teachers??
I'm really just speculating based on the poem because my recall of Peter pan is poor. But this poem makes me a lot more interested in reading or seeing Peter Pan. The time ticking is an awesome symbol/metaphor that kids probably don't get. I never did.