avatarAmanda Laughtland

Summary

The website content is a personal reflection on the comforting nostalgia of watching Perry Mason and the impact of its characters, particularly the relationship between Perry Mason and Della Street, as well as an announcement of a series of poems written for National Poetry Writing Month.

Abstract

The text delves into the author's experience with the classic television show Perry Mason, equating its comfort to that of Nilla Wafers. The show serves as a soothing presence, especially during the author's recovery from surgery, with the characters Della Street and Perry Mason evoking a sense of security and care. The author muses on the real-life complexities of the actors' relationships, noting the professional admiration and unspoken personal dimensions, such as Raymond Burr's sexual orientation. The narrative is interwoven with the author's personal life, detailing the quiet nights spent watching the show while recovering and reflecting on the characters' dynamics. Additionally, the author invites readers to explore a collection of poems written as part of NaPoWriMo, indicating a dedication to daily poetic creation.

Opinions

  • The author finds Perry Mason and the character Della Street particularly comforting and reminiscent of their younger days.
  • Raymond Burr's portrayal of Perry Mason and his off-screen affection for co-star Barbara Hale (Della Street) are noted with a sense of appreciation and empathy for the complexity of human relationships.
  • The author values the sense of nostalgia and the emotional support provided by the familiar characters and storylines during a period of convalescence.
  • There is an underlying respect for the craft of acting and the depth it can bring to viewers' lives, as seen in the reflection on Raymond Burr's and Barbara Hale's performances.
  • The author is engaged in a creative challenge, evidenced by the commitment to writing a poem a day for National Poetry Writing Month, and is eager to share this journey with the audience.

Poetry

With the Help of Miss Street

A poem from a Perry Mason fan

a TV Guide cover from 1959 via barbarahale.com

Like Nilla Wafers, Perry Mason gives back my younger self, soothed by the low, assured voice of Della Street and the parade of classic cars as Paul Drake does surveillance from his roadster. As I recovered from surgery, my dad lent me DVDs and I watched and sometimes fell asleep until the music swelled and I’d rewind to the courtroom to find Perry revealing the killer to the consternation of Hamilton Burger. My partner slept down the hall as it woke her if I took pills in the night. I’d turn on the bedside light and think about Barbara Hale and Raymond Burr. In an interview he said he’d loved her. He left out that he was gay. Maybe he also watched reruns, imagining Della taking care of everything the way she made hot coffee and stayed when Perry had to work late.

I’m working on writing a poem a day throughout April. Here’s a list of all the poems I’ve completed so far. Thank you for reading my work!

Poetry
Television
LGBTQ
NaPoWriMo
Nostalgia
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