Hello, and welcome! This is 15 Words or Less Poems, a low-pressure way to wake up your poetry brain (guidelines here), and I’m very glad you’re here.
Prince’s death was a HUGE deal here in Minneapolis, and while walking around the mall before my WW meeting last week, I saw this large artwork (filtered here) by Wes Winship and snapped a pic. That gaze is arresting, isn’t it?
This image made me think of three things:
- ostrich art
- men and makeup
- how often performers reinvent themselves–and kids do, too
And here’s my first draft. I was thinking about how much I loved each new school year not only because it was a fresh year, but also because it was a fresh ME.
I’m teaching at a Young Authors Conference all week and won’t be home to comment. I will read, though!
It’s your turn! Have fun and stick to 15 WORDS OR LESS! (Title doesn’t count toward word count.)
16 Responses
Bring on the re-invention! I have some seventh graders I’m ready to see as something new! Nine more days here and I wonder how we will survive them. Fun poem.…especially the word, Dumpling!
we keep you
alive
in song
and voice
In brick
and paint
a soul’s
edifice
A very nice tribute Linda.
Laura, you are an out-of-the-box thinker. I’m not sure I would have made this association with a portrait of Prince. I love the form you used and the element of surprise.
Through the glass,
i look with knowing eyes
hiding the truth–
I know nothing.
Very relevant Margaret, for all things, over and above Prince.
Once upon a rhythm
a brick-built spirit
with old soul gaze
mesmerized -
pure transcendence.
Beautiful, poetic words Suzanne. I love “spirit and old soul gaze.”
Love your verse Laura. I can identify. It seems all my life I have been reinventing myself; every MONDAY of every week! Maybe one of these weeks I’ll like what I see. LOL! Have fun at the conference.
Also Known As …
Photogenic
Replicated
Invincible
Notable
Creative
Eternality
Good poem, Laura. Sometimes there is a magical change over summer vacation.
Private Person’s Opinion
Who said
they could put
my picture there?
The wall
would look better
left bare.
So true Cindy. I think you captured Prince’s desire for privacy.
I think one of the reasons I enjoy your 15 words or less prompt so much is due to the diverse variety of responses from a single image Laura. I like where the image lead you, the playfulness of it. My poem took me on another path. Hope the week goes well!
Fill the world with passion
remembering people’s colors
weave infinite tapestries
of growth…
Prince
by Dianne Moritz
Prince
musical genius
private
drug addled
mortal
as are all
The student who
Formerly wanted to
Open the window and
Escape
The constant loneliness
Of wondering
“What does that mean?”
Is now beginning
To connect
Say to her
“Have a good day”
And she responds
“You, too”
(I went over 15 words, but this was my experience with a Newcomer ELL today)
I had a student who did that when I was teaching…a little Korean boy who spoke no English. We ended up the best of friends…he was so smart.
poem By Jessica Bigi
Princeunder golden crown
world’s tears turn purple
flooding hears
voice and songs
remembered
rain
IN CHARACTER
Artist
put yourself into
the mask.
Dress up!
Make up
a self in
effervescent
color.
-by Heather Kinser
What a glorious piece of artwork you shared, Laura. I am enjoying your 15 words or less poem and those of others.
thoughts smolder inside
flow like purple rain
in a blurry sky