The prompt this month at Applehouse Poetry is to write a poem that parallels the world of flora or fauna with the human experience, and which also marks or explores the end of something? It doesn’t have to be a season. It could be a relationship, a journey, a way of thinking… there are endless possibilities. This is my piece - what a writer could learn about concentration and reaching a goal from the hunting kestrel I was able to watch for several minutes recently.
In the Zone
flying high
buffetted by winds
rising
............falling
swept........................................off course
then back again
alert
determined
focussed
then the ecstatic
.............................s
..............................w
.................................o
...................................o
......................................p
as the goal is reached
************************************************************************
A poem that I read recently I think suits this prompt perfectly is Susan Richardson's Who's Afraid which was commended in the recent Frogmore Poetry Prize. Susan's collection Creatures of the Intertidal Zone was one of my favourite books of last year and a definite recommendation for anyone who hasn't yet read it.
Ahh that is cool. I've forgotten what you call that, Juliet but I'm sure you know, where the shape of the poem perfectly reflects the shape of the idea. And this one is great because the typography has a point, it extends the thought and slows it down. This is fantastic example and flying too,
ReplyDeletealways liked concrete poetry--always will
ReplyDeleteThank you, you just reminded me of a poem I wrote several years ago after sitting and watch that most beautiful bird. I have to confess that my meagre effort was not as good as yours though...
ReplyDeleteGood grief, a piece of concrete poetry where the shape actually adds something. That must be a first.
ReplyDeleteCleverly designed and even without the shape, I love the sound of this piece.
ReplyDeleteAlso like the "new" look of your blog (new to me since it's been a while that i've blogged and/or written)
Hope all is well!
Clever use of layout on the page. Sometimes it can be a bit gimmicky, but it really works here.
ReplyDeleteExcellent poem, with a format that is as effective as anything Ferlinghetti ever did. Perfect resposne to the prompt!
ReplyDeletesusan - I change the banner quite ferquently - so its always new now...! Good to see you again!
ReplyDeleteJem, Gingatao, stu - well i had hoped that the shape would add to the sense, glad you think it does...
Billy - wow, thanks for the comparison to Ferlinghetti....
I like it,( the "swoop" really swoops) and it does remind me of the kestrel hunting
ReplyDeleteExcellent portrayal Juliet in both word and structure.
ReplyDeletenice - i love watching nature and then to put it to vivid words...
ReplyDeleteso where do i have to move to in order to have the view out my window be what your banner is?!!!
Just what they (and some other birds of prey) look and act like around here now in the windy season!
ReplyDeletei watched a kestrel hunt successfuly not long ago so i can relate to this poem. and it works very well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation :)
ReplyDeleteAnd your writer as kestrel poem works beautifully - sounds, shape and content!