It’s interesting how different things can come together in your brain and percolate. I’m not sure exactly how all the pieces came together in my head, but I was thinking about Dick Van Dyke (maybe due to trailers of the Coldplay video?) and about laughter (definitely from one of Heidi’s Yuletide prompts). This combination prompted me to watch a video of “I Love to Laugh” from Mary Poppins. We always loved that movie in our family, but I hadn’t watched it in years and years. Here it is, in case you’re interested in refreshing your memory or checking it out for the first time:
Aren’t Julie Andrews and Ed Wynn wonderful, too? I found myself grinning the whole way through. In this day and age, it felt like a breath of fresh air. (And yes, I know that probably makes me sound very old and a bit persnickety, but it’s just such silly fun! And those campy special effects are perfectly charming!)
After watching the video a few times, the song developed into an ear worm that lasted several days. Not quite as much fun. I kept finding myself singing bits and pieces of it at unexpected, and sometimes awkward, times. I also kept turning the name “Dick Van Dyke” over and over in my head, again and again. It suddenly struck me that it might work in a double dactyl poem. So, I settled down to write.
Rewatching Mary Poppins
Jiggledy, giggledy
Iconic Dick Van Dyke
guffawed and chortled up
into the air
Proving that laughter is
better than medicine
Hyperhysterically
beyond compare
©Molly Hogan
Also, if you haven’t had a chance to watch the Coldplay video, here it is.
It took me a while to get around to it, but I finally watched the whole thing, and it was definitely worth it. It was moving and delightful! Enjoy!
This week’s Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted by Tricia at her blog The Miss Rumphius Effect. You’re sure to find more moving and delightful things there, so hurry on over!
Nix the comfort zone 
There needs to be a laugh button. I, too, love this scene from Mary Poppins. What a classic! Your double dactyl is spot on. I’ll come back to the Cold Play video when I have more time. Thanks for lightening the mood. The California fires are heavy on my mind these days.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it. It definitely felt nice to focus on something a bit lighter.
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what we all need, your clever double dactyl & a reminder from icons, to laff.
Molly you are beyond compare.
appreciations,
Jan
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Thanks, Jan! Sometimes, a little laughter can be the best medicine.
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Double Dactyls! My favorite. You nailed it on this one. I loved the theme of laughter, which we all need more of. Thank you for sharing!
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I’ve only written a few double dactyls, but they are fun! I’m glad you enjoyed this one.
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Molly, what a sweet, sweet post, and to end with the ColdPlay video was icing on the cake. I had not heard of it, yet, and now I have already shared it with some family members. So precious. Your double dactyl is fun; you’ve made it look easy. I like the wording of “Laughter is better than medicine.”
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Isn’t that video the best? I got teary eyed when I watched it. He’s had quite a life!
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Molly, This was WONDERFUL!!! Thank you..Thank you..Thank you. Bob
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Dick Van Dyke is a wonderful inspiration!
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Molly. This is WONDERFUL…Thank you..Thank you..Thank you
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It was fun to focus on writing something a bit light-hearted right now.
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That man is a GEM. What a fun post; thank you.
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He is a gem! Thanks again for hosting!
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Nostalgia and delight connect in your resultant poem, Molly. Joyful memories have elicited joyful words. I am smiling.
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I love knowing that this post and the videos made you smile, Alan.
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I am really grateful that you remembered Dick Van Dyke, Molly! Ah, those fun memories bring good feelings for sure! I love double dactyls and yours is simply terrific!
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Thanks, Linda. I think I may need to watch the whole movie again. Rewatching that one scene was like a breath of fresh air!
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Oh my gosh! I’m obsessed with double dactyls and yours is perfection!
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They are fun to write. I love the rhythm of them!
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I love this post, Molly! Especially the Cold Play video that I hadn’t seen before. I went from laughing to crying…and it was all wonderful as is your double dactyl.
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That Cold Play video really wowed me– It packed an emotional whallop!
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Love these video clips! D.V.D. is the best at laughter. Thank you, Molly!
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Thanks! I’m looking for laughter and light wherever I can find them!
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Some “hyperhysterical” laughter was JUST what I needed this morning!
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When don’t we benefit from hyperhysterical laughter?
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On this National Day of Mourning, DVD is a welcome antidote. Merci beaucoup.
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It took me a moment to translate DVD. I was thinking video tapes…lol
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Aw, sweet smiles from beginning to end with this post, Molly. Thanks for this today.
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You’re welcome 🙂 It’s nice to linger in light for a bit!
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I’ll take the laughter too, great post and poem Molly, loved all! And wow 99 that’s pretty good, thanks!
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He definitely makes 99 look good! He still has some moves!
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