Poems Inspired by Novels

Stay with Us: A Letter from the Other Mother to Coraline

Smell the garden for a sweet escape. 

Come and stay with us, dear Coraline,

follow the jumping mice to a special place.

We’ll sing about you, it’s all going to be fine.

Through a secret tunnel, you must crawl

to live with us and decide your fate. 

It’s all for you, our little doll. 

If you want to stay there is one trait

Upon your face, I will most gladly take. 

I will sew you a pair of button eyes. 

Yes, my dear, there is much at stake

but you’ll stay with us if you’re wise. 

You can pick pink, vermillion, or chartreuse. 

It doesn’t matter what you choose.