#7 – Hearts of Oak

Fay Roberts outlines a story that had its movie premiere on this day 83 years ago...

Geppetto, mourning, wishes on a star,
and someone heeds, and brings his wish to life.
In love and hard work – that’s where families are.

Affection’s duty holds him tight as tar.
but soft-eyed kid is drawn by showbiz fife.
Geppetto, mourning, wishes on a star.

Pinocchio’s ambition has no par.
His conscience tries to prick him like a knife:
In love and hard work – that’s where families are!

His boy is gone – he doesn’t know how far.
Swallowed up in grief, he mimics life...
Geppetto, mourning, wishes on a star.

Transformed, the lad returns, his heart ajar.
A warning gift spells out his father’s strife.
(In love and hard work – that’s where families are.)

He knows his only worth is as a spar,
surrenders breath to give his maker life.
Geppetto, mourning, wishes on a star;
In love and hard work – that’s where families are.

A still from the 2019 Italian movie of Pinocchio, by Matteo Garrone (not very like the Disney version)
Image description in alt-text