Happy Poetry Friday! Welcome, everyone! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
Short and sweet this week, as I’m immersed (doesn’t that sound better than drowning?) in family medical care. This month, the Poetry Sisters (and you!) wrote ekphrastic poems–poems inspired by art.
I decided to be inspired by this print I have in my studio. (Largely because I was too lazy to go looking for art and figuring out permissions and copyright.) My oldest sister, Gail, bought it for me decades ago when she came up to Minnesota to visit. We were at a mall and she saw that I loved this print in some poster shop (those used to be a thing). I’ve always loved aspen and birch trees. And the light and dark in this image just enchants me.
That bright flare that looks like there’s something in the woods–that’s just from me taking the photo. But no matter what the time of day it was, because of the print’s position related to my windows, I couldn’t get a shot without reflections in it. So I had to use a flash at night. And that was after I wrote my poem, so…
Anyway, it was glorious to escape into poetry yesterday and write a quick draft. Here you go!
Don’t miss everybody’s poems! Here are the Poetry Sisters’.
Click here to see all our previous Poetry Princesses collaborations.
Our Poetry Friday host is the one and only Irene Latham, one of my poetry heroes and the absolute queen of ekphrastic poetry! 🙂 Check out the Roundup and see what beauty she’s putting into the world today.
14 Responses
Oooh, the voice is perfect here…I feel like this is the beginning of a novel in verse (no pressure!) but…yeah, such an intriguing POV.
Agree with Sara — the voice is really, really great! And I kind of like the image MORE with the flash flare on it, as if using a flashlight against those things which hide in the dark…
Aspen trees are my favorite, too. And oh my gosh.… this is SUCH A STORY. Please go on…
Beautiful image of hallways between the trees. Thank you, Laura.
Laura, you are one of my poetry heroes too! And I am so IN this poem, from the very first lines. It feels like a kid, still innocent, but on the edge of some big, potentially devastating change…will nature be able to save her?? I hope so. xo
What a lovely moment of childhood thought. Well done. This is even more special inspired by a sister’s gift.
Adding my voice to the voices who love the voice. 🙂
Ooh — I love how you titled this poem, Laura. Gives it yet another layer.
Nicely done, Laura! I have an aspen print that I’ve had for decades. Twins! (I’ve also been preoccupied with family medical matters. Sending you a big hug!)
You captured my childhood brain in this poem! I was forever in the grass, looking for critters, seeking the light.
Sending big hugs as you work your way through the challenges life keeps throwing your (and your family’s) way.
I love this print. Your poem put me right in the thick of the trees with you. This is fabulous.
Laura, I like the flash of light in the artwork. Your inner child’s voice is making me think back in time. The last couplet is a beautiful ending. I do think that Sara’s idea of you expanding this poem to a novel in verse. is a great idea.
What an inspiring poem and image Laura! The print reminds me of a sunprint or cyanotype but with black and grays instead of your typical blues, here’s a link of how one is made: https://youtu.be/cb7B1hziOIg?si=bqFNbczpi3bOQpQf. Thanks!
The light and dark is fascinating in this photo (not considering what looks like a Yeti with a headlamp coming out of the forest.) Your poem is lots of fun. Love the roly poly crawling across your hand, “safe and small”.