“The Door Is Always Open” (Thursday Doors)

Where shall we go this evening?

Side by side adventuring
lost in a world of words

Stumbling over and over
through a mysterious landscape
in a sea of happiness

Who are these strange creatures?

Dreaming their way through winter
awakening with the spring

Bound collectively
by the love of family
and the loyalty of friends

I’m not sure what got us on the subject of Moomintroll, but I remarked to my younger daughter that there was an exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library called Tove Jansson and The Moomins: The Door Is Always Open. She said “Let’s go!” and we did.

There were lots of interactive displays, including the house at the top, and these books with doors and information about the Moomins and their stories and creation inside.

The exhibit also included copies of the Moomin books in many languages, other adult books that Tove Jansson wrote, her art, and some of the toys, games, animations, shows, and other offshoots of the original stories and books. Jansson lived a full and self-directed artistic life; her “door was always open.”

I had never been to the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, although my daughter went there often in high school. You can apply for a card if you live in one of the other boroughs, and she had gotten one. The outside was under scaffolding, but the entrance on the inside is quite grand.

And here’s the entrance to the atrium where part of the exhibit was from the inside. It’s a beautiful bright space.

My poem is for Punam’s prompt at dVerse, to write about happiness. Nothing made me happier than to read aloud to my children. And the Moomintroll books were delightful in every way. If you don’t know them, and want to know more about them, their website is here. Speaking from experience, they are equally enjoyable for adults and children.

And, as always, look for more doors  at Thursday Doors, hosted by Dan Antion.

I’ll have to calm down a bit, or else I’ll burst with happiness.
–Moomintroll