Independence
Day 2012 has now come and gone. This time of year reminds me of Ray Bradbury
and his beautiful prose. The wonderful descriptions of small town life in the
Martian Chronicles and Something Wicked This Way Comes. The buzzing of bees,
the twinkling of fireflies, the searing summer heat, and the tinkling of ice in
glasses of lemonade are all reminiscent of a Bradbury story. He lived a good
long life and made so many people happy with his richly described characters
and his fantastic imagination.
My
neighborhood in Chicago held its annual 4th of July parade yesterday, going
from one neighborhood park to another. The scene was nostalgic: the small
children waving American flags, the brightly painted antique cars, the red
Chicago fire engine with its siren blaring, and the tossing of penny candy to
the people who lined the streets......again, reminders of Bradbury to me.
I
drew so much joy from his books as I was growing up, and have re-read them many
times as an adult. His writing influenced my writing. I followed his lead, and
I try to be as descriptive as I can when I write, yet also use words sparingly
and clearly. Bradbury painted a vivid picture with each story. He brought the
sparkly night skies to life. He perfectly described the dry red ravines of
Mars. He nailed the portraits of lush green foliage in small towns in the
summer; towns full of children bursting to have adventures and succeeding while
experiencing the everyday monotony yet miraculous distinction of their summer
days.
Ray
Bradbury, I miss you already, yet I truly appreciate the joy and inspiration
you gave to me and others like me for many years. You truly made your mark in
this universe, and it is lasting.
