I suspect there are two sorts of poetry prompts: those that work as a test of ingenuity, which make you feel as if somehow you don't quite measure up, and those that work as an inspiration, drawing out all sorts of ideas that you didn't know you had. Any one prompt of course, can work as either sort for different people - or even for the same person on different occasions.
I've been feeling less inspired by most of the prompts provided at various sites for NaPoWriMo this year, and more as if my ingenuity is being tested. So I've decided instead to work on some of the other poems that are queuing up in my head to be written. Here's today's effort:
(All NaPoWriMo poems have now been removed for possible editing and submissions. Contact me if you would like to read them.)
Poetry, quilting and random comments on life, the universe and everything
NIMBY - Not in my back yard... so true, and not just of trees...
ReplyDeleteThis old tree-hugger sure does like this bit of writing Catherine == sometimes nature must bow, and I to you for this fine poem...
ReplyDelete...rob
Image & Verse
I love this view of trees; so true. The last verse ties it all up so beautifully. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteThat's a fantastic poem! And so true.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! I particularly liked the lines "The cherry tree has had its last revenge" and "We are in love with the idea of trees". There's a wonderful narrative feel and I thought the almost grisly ending was perfect.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time attempting NaPo and I'm certainly struggling with some of the prompts as well. Good to be reminded that sometimes the most amazing things come when the prompts are shoved to the side.
I'd say there are two types of people, Catherine. Those with an ever questing mind and those, like me, who sit on the edge, hoping something will come along! I feel sad for the cherry tree!
ReplyDelete"We think we love trees, but we don't. / We are in love with the idea of trees" Very insightful. Your last idea/image is good too, how we like the fruit of trees - literally - maybe more than trees themselves. Thank you
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful. Lovely writing, "juice dripping down our wrists and elbows,
ReplyDeleteas we savoured the fruit
of a tree that no longer exists." Marvelous images!
I love this line:
ReplyDeleteWe are in love with the idea of trees
So true for us townies.
Not all of the prompts have worked for me, either, but signing up has at least galvanised me into writing, just like you.
http://thelaughinghousewife.wordpress.com
Great poem. We are in love with the idea of trees.
ReplyDeletei write from prompts all the time and it has taught me that it doesn't matter how you start a piece, as long as it gets there. :)
ReplyDeleteand whatever got you here to this piece is a great source, so keep grabbing them when they come.
Trees are a favorite subject of mine and you capture the giving nature of trees. a few years ago I read a book called "The Secret Life of Plants" and I am convinced that we as humans have an ancient spiritual relationship with that which gives a shade and nourishment.
ReplyDeleteThis was terrific!
Thanks!
~Mark
Yeah, very nicely written, and I really like the bit about eating fruit from a tree that no longer exists.
ReplyDeleteNicely!
Glorious peaches. Oh, thank you for the trees, so sublime. Good poem!
ReplyDeleteReally interesting, this one. The line “We are in love with the idea of trees” is so true! And following “They are not tame” with that final image of juice dripping down your wrists and elbows …
ReplyDeleteLots of wisdom and vivid imagery here!
ReplyDelete