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I could have started this prompt with that well known Shakespearean quote (You know the one right?)…but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.
For this week’s poetics I’d like to focus on a subject very close to my heart… that of music.
For me, music is perhaps one of the deepest and most resonate forms of human expression. Not only does it contain the ‘POETIC’ element in terms of lyricism, but there is something else, something intangible and something profoundly emotional.
Music can contain passion. It can be definitive in terms of culture. It can be used as vehicle for self-belonging, act as a signpost, a reminder of our pasts (albeit bad or good), it can be an emotional crutch, it can be an all-encompassing representation of the human spirit, our lives, our loves, and our thoughts…OR… it can simply be a collection of noises and notes that we do or don’t respond to.
Throughout history music has always been a subject of artistic concentration. Take for example Pablo Picasso’s ‘The Old Guitarist’ 1903. The main theme of this picture, painted in Picasso’s ‘Blue Period’, shows a man seemingly clinging on to life, maybe even in misery or loneliness. The guitar itself becomes the focal point of the picture and becomes the old man’s only focus, his love; purpose and his only means of expression. Poetically, maybe this picture speaks of our need as artists, to simply express and that expression sits at our very core.
Music has also proven to be a dominant image within the photographic arts. Here, I’d like to draw your attention to the photographs of Glen E. Friedman (a personal favourite of mine) who has captured the passion, the fury, and the intensity of the Punk Rock/Hip Hop scenes across the word, but particularly in the US.
Here the image shows the intensity of the artists, the energy of the stage, and the closeness between the performers and the observers. The photograph can be seen as a metaphor for some of the ideologies of music (and particularly within punk rock subculture) – with the absence of a barrier between the stage and the crowd showing music’s transcendence, its ability to be owned and shared by ALL; its lack of hierarchy and therefore a common shared value – very much like some of the messages and ideologies contained within Poetry (which in itself could be regarded as a subculture)
And finally lets us observe a more ‘poetic’ relationship. For this example I’d like to present a poem by Anne Sexton (1928-1974)
‘Music Swims Back to Me’
Wait Mister. Which way is home?
They turned the light out
and the dark is moving in the corner.
There are no sign posts in this room,
four ladies, over eighty,
in diapers every one of them.
La la la, Oh music swims back to me
and I can feel the tune they played
the night they left me
in this private institution on a hill.
Imagine it. A radio playing
and everyone here was crazy.
I liked it and danced in a circle.
Music pours over the sense
and in a funny way
music sees more than I.
I mean it remembers better;
remembers the first night here.
It was the strangled cold of November;
even the stars were strapped in the sky
and that moon too bright
forking through the bars to stick me
with a singing in the head.
I have forgotten all the rest.
They lock me in this chair at eight a.m.
and there are no signs to tell the way,
just the radio beating to itself
and the song that remembers
more than I. Oh, la la la,
this music swims back to me.
The night I came I danced a circle
and was not afraid.
Mister?
Here Sexton presents us with music as a reminder; a constant in a mad world (Sexton often wrote about her struggles with mental illness, often spending time in hospital herself). Observe the lines- ‘Music pours over the sense/and in a funny way/music sees more than I’. Here she talks about the music seeing all of her surroundings, the other patients, the nurses, the moon in the sky, even herself, and is very much used as a constant to anchor all of these things together.
I would urge you all to check out the respective artists above if you haven’t already!
OK, let’s get to it!
For this week’s prompt write a poem about music. Please feel free to interpret it as openly as you like.
You could write a piece about your favourite song (and how it makes you feel), a particular style of music, an instrument, a time and place that you remember through a certain piece of music, why music is important to you, or simply how music makes you feel in general…this is WIDE open….
SO- let’s go for it…let’s build our OWN poetics jukebox.
Here’s how it works
- Write a poem and post it to your blog
- Click the Mr. Linky button below, and in the new window that opens up input your name and direct URL of the poem
- Visit other people’s poems and comment to let them know that poems are being read!
- Feel free to share via your favourite social media!
- Above all- have fun,
See you out on the road.
By Stuart McPherson (www.poemsofhateandhope.com)
poemsofhateandhope said:
Good evening all! Hope you enjoy the prompt today- something for everyone hopefully- and the poems I’ve read already have been OUTSTANDING!
aprille said:
Stu, this is such fun. Thank you for thinking of it.
I am far more visual than audio, but lately one or two pieces are taking up space in my head and I am glad to get a chance to share.
Great to find out what makes others tick audio-wise.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Aprille- your poem was great- and I’m glad that you found the fun in it!
claudia said:
very cool prompt stu… music is powerful and touches us on many levels…love the picasso painting and the ann sexton poem you bring as examples as well…this is going to be a prompt that rocks the place…looking forward to what everyone comes up with..
poemsofhateandhope said:
Thanks Claudia- loved your poem for this- so nice. Yeah- music has always been a big part of my life- it kinda doesn’t figure when people say to me that they DON’T listen to it. And as for Anne Sexton- she blows my mind every time
ordinarylifelessordinary said:
Lovely to be part of this one, really enjoyed writing this today. Thanks Stu for the very very cool prompt. I’m in, hope everybody enjoys it.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Vanessa- so pleased to see you here- your poem was so touching- seriously. So good
ordinarylifelessordinary said:
*Still blushing*
oceangirl said:
Hi. Great prompt, more than great, it is something I need. Thank you.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Ah cool…glad you like- cant wait to get stuck in and read! I need music (just like poetry) every day
hedgewitch said:
Totally agree on Sexton. Read her when I first started writing and think of her as a big influence always. This was an excellent article Stu. Tho I’m disappointed no Shakespeare quote. ;P (Not)
poemsofhateandhope said:
Ha ha- I was cringing as the thought popped into my head 🙂
brian miller said:
ah this is an excellent prompt man…music is such a part of my life…and influence on my own poetics…so you took me to headbangers ball a bit…cant wait to see what everyone comes up with…
nice pick up on the anthrax ref too…you and fred…
poemsofhateandhope said:
Thanks Brian! – is it wrong that I’m listening to ‘caught in a mosh’ right now?
brian miller said:
not at all…all my anthrax is on tape and i have no player…sucks!!!
tashtoo said:
My favorite Picasso…have used this to prompt my pen many times…You’ve hit it out of the park for me with this prompt, Stu…had a blast tripping down my own memory lane…and looking forward to everyone’s soundtracks. Rock and Write!
poemsofhateandhope said:
I just went to see the Picasso exhibition at the Tate Britain- was breathtaking- man if many styles but his ‘blue period’ doesn’t for me….your poem kicked absolute ass tonight- put me right back into all those club nights- and social distortion- real talk!
hobgoblin2011 said:
Awesome write up Stu. I swear, I saw the Fugazi pic there and I had to stop everything and pop Waiting room on…great stuff here. I’ve done a lot of writing about music, will have to dig in and see what I want to post, or perhaps write a new one. Thanks, should be quite the jam session tonight. Cheers
poemsofhateandhope said:
Thanks Fred! Yeah gotta love Fugazi- minor threat, fugazi- such big influences on me- music is the life force same as the poetry – cant wait to read your contribution!
priyankazneverland said:
Love the prompt. Have written about a song that I truly connect to!
poemsofhateandhope said:
Cool! Glad you like! Great to see you here! 🙂
priyankazneverland said:
🙂
Thanks a ton!
Feels like family in here!
brian miller said:
thats what i like to hear…smiles…
and great choice as far as song, and adding the emotion to it as well…
poemsofhateandhope said:
See now I’ve got ‘we are family’ by Sister Sledge going through my head- not doing my masculine ‘tough guy’ image any good ha ha 🙂
brian miller said:
dang you…stuck in my head now….earworm earworm
Shawna said:
Great job, Stu. This is a wonderful topic for poetry. Love PIcasso and Sexton; excellent points of reference.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Thanks Shawna- god- Anne Sexton- what a writer- just how she captured those feelings, those emotions- and such a tough life…amazing and sad
hedgewitch said:
Great prompt–I honestly think there were times in my life when I wouldn’t have survived without my music, as my poem says–I was fortunate to come of age in a time when music was incredibly varied and rich and full of amazing talent–and I’m glad for all those more contemporary souls who’ve carried the tradition on. Thanks so much for coming up with this, and for hosting today Stu. I’m going to be out for awhile but I’ll be back to read later.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Hey Joy! I totally agree- definately been times when I couldnt have survived without it…looking forward to reading your poem!
Blue Flute said:
Great prompt, I feel inspired
brian miller said:
will the blue flute play the flute….hmmm….haha
poemsofhateandhope said:
Cool! Looking forward to see what you come up with!
zongrik said:
music, a constant in a mad world, or, does it just make the mad world madder (more mad, yeah i know, but madder sounds better, ugh more good? more bet?)
poemsofhateandhope said:
Zongrik- your word choices always leave me baffled! Just where do you get them from! Great poem tonight!
zongrik said:
these words came out of my head, but i find words in a very secret place when i’m in a rush
Glenn Buttkus said:
I slipped in JUKEBELLY NIGHTBREAKER MAGICIAN, which made a brief appearance in the past, but tonight it really calls to me again.
brian miller said:
really great piece to replay to change the tone…(see the ear worm stu gave me above)…excellent descriptions to build the scene too..
poemsofhateandhope said:
Glenn- best title of a poem ever….can’t wait to read it! But also- for some reason- the title makes me think of ‘peanut butter jelly sandwiches’ – which makes me hungry
brian miller said:
haha…time to strike back with my own ear worm on that one stu…
poemsofhateandhope said:
Ha ha ha ha ha thanks for that…….
Heaven (@asweetlust) said:
How can I sleep now with that funny song..ha..ha ..
aprille said:
Isn’t that Goober jelly?
Why am I thinking that?
better take a look at Brian’s revenge 🙂
poemsofhateandhope said:
Mmmmm gooooooobbbbeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrr
Daydreamertoo said:
Great Prompt Stu. Most of the writing I do is with music playing. Can’t imagine life without it. Have a good night all.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Heyyyyy- glad to see you here! It’s weird- I can’t write with music in- BUT- I often listen to specific tracks beforehand….which kind of psyches me up if that makes sense
claudia said:
makes sense to me…i can’t write with music in either and always find this kind of weird as i can write in the loudest places… but as soon as it’s music..there is a ranking…music comes always first…and my pen falls quiet..
brian miller said:
interesting…i love writing while the music is playing…i keep several concerts on the DVR to listen to as i write…
Heaven (@asweetlust) said:
I write in absolute silence…no music at all at it breaks my concentration. I listen to music before or after, but not when I am writing.
poemsofhateandhope said:
I am completely the same- gotta have silence!
Mary said:
Stu, wonderful prompt! Such fun to write about it.
brian miller said:
mary…you slayed this…i had as much fun reading it as you did writing…if that is possible…smiles.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Nice one Mary! Just on my way over to read! Glad you had fun! That’s what its all about!
claudia said:
….and i’m still humming fields of gold..ha
ordinarylifelessordinary said:
This was great, Simon & Garfunkel slipped into mine too… Been listening to it again recently x
tashtoo said:
Okay poets…need more credit on iTunes to fully participate….I’ve busted the bank on memories! Stu…I’m blaming you!
poemsofhateandhope said:
Aw Tash – get yourself on spotify!!!! Ha ha 🙂 one of my fave dinner party games is to pick a theme- and then everyone gets a turn at choosing a tune- had some very late nights to that one!
Jan Bergmans said:
Reblogged this on Jan Bergmans Weblog and commented:
Via Nick Papag, TY!
Madeleine Begun Kane said:
Thanks so much for yet another delightful prompt. I decided to torture my brain a bit by writing an acrostic limerick related to music: The Buglers.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Love a good limerick! I spent all day on Friday writing them about my boss- soon enough the whole of my office was in on it- really hope he doesn’t find them ha ha. – heading over now to read! 🙂
Madeleine Begun Kane said:
Mocking the boss via limerick — definitely a risky scheme! 🙂 I hope you’ll consider participating in my weekly Limerick-Offs, since you’re into limericks.
Laurie Kolp said:
Stu- This is an awesome post. I love music, as you’ll see when you read my offering. Thank you!
poemsofhateandhope said:
Nice one Laurie! Cant wait to hear what influences your words!
Shawn said:
What an excellent prompt for my first post. I didn’t realize I had never written a poem about music, especially since I find myself singing everyday!
claudia said:
nice..i tend to sing a lot as well…when i walk into the office in the morning, my boss always says he hears me before he sees me…smiles
Shawn said:
My head is full of song before my foot hits the floor in the morning…or maybe it is in the shower.
brian miller said:
great to have you here shawn…your piece was a lot of fun…esp being hand written…welcome man
Shawn said:
Thank you! I plan on appearing again. I miss writing.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Great to see you here Shawn! Just headin over to read!
Shawn said:
Thank you! I found this by accident through a tweet on ordinarylifelessordinary’s blog. So glad I did!!!
poemsofhateandhope said:
Shawn- great poem …thanks for sharing
Semaphore / Samuel Peralta said:
Awesome, Stu – love your choices of art and music in your narrative. Music is definitely one of the strong motivators in my own poetry, and I can’t wait to get out there and see what everyone’s done.
brian miller said:
sam, cant wait to see what you throw in the mix…
about to head out the door for a bit but will be back later tonight to catch the rest of the songs…see you all in a bit…
aprille said:
It’s getting late over here. I’ve done the rounds and enjoyed it very much. Hope this may become a regular feature. See the rest tomorrow. Nite all.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Nice one Sam! Was fortunate enough to see a Picasso exhibition in London recently- and Anne Sexton just floors me everytime- cant wait to see what you come up with!
Shane said:
I love this site. They always post quality content. Thanks guys!
Anna Montgomery said:
I love this prompt in a way only music can express. Sorry for the delay in linking up but I had commitments to fulfill. I’m linking a multimedia piece with original music which I know is unlikely to be anyone’s cup of tea but I always appreciate the camaraderie of dVerse.
poemsofhateandhope said:
I don’t know Anna! Commitments OUTSIDE of dVerse? Hmmm I’m not sure where your priorities lay! Ha ha- looking forwards to your contribution – your multimedia pieces I always enjoy 🙂
Anna Montgomery said:
Yes, I keep trying to get everyone else to leave me alone so I can live in an artistic utopia and spend more time here but so far it’s not going over well :).
welshstream said:
Late good evening all … entry posted to our music catalogue about a particular music concert I went to …. an event that I looked so much forward to, but ended up filling me with great sadness at an incredible talent destroyed by drugs
poemsofhateandhope said:
This sounds very interesting- I might have an inkling who you are talking about .
Glenn Buttkus said:
Lots of activity tonight, too cool. I popped in a second version of JUKEBELLY which includes the recitation. The first entry was from 2009, before I was taping them.
http://bibliosity.blogspot.com/2012/05/jukebelly.html
Mark Kerstetter said:
Thanks for a great subject, Stuart. I’ve taken the opportunity to sound off on something I care about, but won’t be able to hang out in the pub much tonight. Tomorrow will be my big reading day, and looking forward to sharing music-inspired poems.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Mark – your poem was great- a subject close to my heart. Just reading about the background to it pissed me off. In the uk we moan a lot about the government – but at least thy don’t lock us up for expressing ourselves
brian miller said:
mark…you are awesome man…love your response…your own verse was tight and def captured the punk feel with great allusions as well to the plight you highlight…love your heart man….
ManicDdaily said:
HI Stu – I wanted to write something serious – there are so many musical poems I find inspiring – I am thinking particularly of two – one by Lawrence and one by Rilke about the piano–BUT – I ended up with silly. Which may be just fine, as I think it is a subject that lends itself to the serious, so maybe a nice diversion. K.
ManicDdaily said:
I don’t know about nice – a diversion! K.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Sounds intriguing! Can’t wait to read!
ManicDdaily said:
Hedge pointed out that my Fred Astaire had nothing of the elephantine about him, so had to correct that! Added tapdancing elephant now. K.
Dawn said:
Was pointed in this direction by a friend… Very happy to find this place!
poemsofhateandhope said:
Hey Dawn! Was great to see you here! I thought your descriptions and the feelings you created in ‘an audition’ was top notch
poemsofhateandhope said:
Ahhh I’m starting to get it with you! Alllll about the elephants! Ha ha ha- brilliant
ManicDdaily said:
Brilliant – thanks – but probably “cute” more accurate. Thanks. k.
gardenlilie said:
Stu…that was a great prompt and why am I so busy, oh yeah life, kids and all. But this sounds great and I will read and comment even though I am so tempted to put brain or emotions to paper or rather screen space.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Hey GardenLilie! Glad you liked! Come on…get that pen out and share! Would be great to read something from you!
gardenlilie said:
Aw…okay let me mull that a bit, I’ve a movie to watch, but let me get dreamy for a minute. 🙂
poemsofhateandhope said:
Right then pub poet type dudes- its laatttteeee in the UK….heading towards the dreaded 3am! SO- keep posting/ keep commenting/ keep reading! – be back in a few hours!
brian miller said:
stu you def rocked the joint tonight…doing a great job…thank you sir
poemsofhateandhope said:
Absolutely my pleasure! I’m back up! It’s a new day! And I see we’ve got some more poems!
brian miller said:
just coming back online…got some catching up to do…thanks to those that came by in my absence…back out on the trail…saw the Avengers tonight…was pretty amazing…
Heaven (@asweetlust) said:
I just wanted to say thanks for the wonderful prompt Stu. I enjoyed this chance to write something fun and light…such a nice break from my work ~ Happy weekend to everyone ~
brian miller said:
happy weekend to you too grace….
poemsofhateandhope said:
My pleasure! Glad it gave you some fun! We all need a bit of lightness now and again- and that’s coming from me!
beckykilsby said:
What a great prompt… music for sure is the mainline to emotion… and, like smell, the key to imprinting and revisiting memories.. Thanks for the chance to link this one again.. did you get to Sandance when you were in Dubai? This was last November… 🙂
poemsofhateandhope said:
Hey Becky- glad you made it over and liked the prompt!….I didn’t make it to sandance…what is it? Like a music fest?
beckykilsby said:
yeah.. on the Atlantis beach (The Palm).. 2pm – 2am… pretty chilled..except for the temps.. 🙂
brian miller said:
sleep well poets…heading to bed…be back in the morning to hear what you are singing….
dawndeluca (@dawndeluca) said:
Sweet dreams… I’ll be singing into the night, I am sure.
brian miller said:
sing on
Sharp Little Pencil said:
Stu, hope it’s OK that I posted one of my own songs, along with lyrics. And now to bed, morning I’m wailing my ass off for God at the UCC church!! Amy
poemsofhateandhope said:
Of course! The line between poetry and song is often blurred! Can’t wait to listen to it. I often like reading song lyrics- some of the best poetry out there!
claudia said:
this was just AWESOME amy…what a treat!!
Susie Clevenger (@wingsobutterfly) said:
Thanks for the prompt Stu. I really went back for this prompt. Revealing things most people wouldn’t even think were a part of me.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Susie- this sounds brilliant… I think poetry can be that vehicle for showcasing the different sides of the self….heading there ASAP to read! Nice one for stopping by- always a fan of your words
claudia said:
loved the pic you posted with the long hair..smiles…
vivinfrance said:
I had all kinds of ideas for this prompt – music having been of primordial importance in my life since I was a baby – but then I read Joseph Harker’s introduction to the Korean Sijo and was sidetracked.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Hey viv! Thanks for stopping by…I agree with you- music, along with words, is one of the most important things in life! Looking forward to reading!
henryclemmons said:
Thank you Stu for the prompt. I’m runnin’ a lil behind, but I managed to write a bad sad country song. Not at a place to record it, but I’m hopin’ I can do something with it soon. Kind of late for me now; ready for sleep. Will catch up on readinig later today.
Enjoyed your article.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Hey Henry, glad ou enjoyed the prompt- I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for the country styles- I’m a Waylon Jennings/ Johnny Cash man. Those country guys always have a grizzled way with words!
David King said:
Thanks for this: gave me the motivation to bring to the boil something that’s been simmering for a while.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Excellent David- those things that simmer need to be let out! Great to see you here!
claudia said:
hey…good morning stu..did you sleep at all…? ha
poemsofhateandhope said:
I’ve had about four hours! Ha ha- my own fault – just love seeing everyone’s awesome writes!
claudia said:
and there def. are some gems out on the trail…if you need matches to keep your eyes open, just gimme a shout..ha
claudia said:
heck..you were busy, rocking the place while i was asleep…took me quite a while to catch up on everyone…great poetry…i’m humming…and also dancing a little bit..smiles
Richard T. Beck said:
The poem “On First Hearing Like a Rolling Stone” was written about a year ago. The poem recently won first place in the Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project.
I published the poem under my real name (Richard Theodore Beck) so this gives me a chance to finally come out of the closet and reintroduce myself since I’ll be retiring from teaching in about one month after 33 years.
If you get a chance, and have the time, please check out the poem “Duality”. It’s about retirement.
You can still call me Ted if you’d like; it’s my middle name.
claudia said:
congrats on winning the literature project…well deserved…it’s a damn fine poem richard..ha..have yet to get used to the new name..
poemsofhateandhope said:
Richard- I thought your poem was absolutely first class….totally floored me- I’ve left some more detailed commentary on your blog. Great to see you here!
Lydia said:
I passionately love this prompt, Brian. If I do not carve out time to write one for this before Mr. Linky closes the pub I will be so sad.
brian miller said:
you have all day lydia….another 16 hours in fact and i imagine there will be a few more that roll in as well….see you back soon…smiles.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Hey Lydia! You’ve got ages! Great to see you here and glad you like the prompt!
brian miller said:
good morning world…stopping in with my cuppa joe…be around in a few minutes to check out your verse….
charlesmashburn said:
I spent the day at the lake yesterday, so I’m quite late to the bar. I hope everyone is having a wonderful, music-filled weekend. Thanks for the great prompt, Stu!
poemsofhateandhope said:
Guys- I am back! Got stuck at a christening- urrrrrghhhh- on ma way to read!
Joseph Harker said:
I guess mine was more of an un-music poem? But also a music poem, depending how you look at it? You be the judge. 🙂
kez said:
Real late submission ….big family weekend …thanks for fab prompt and of course hosting ….x
poemsofhateandhope said:
Kez- great poem- and great you made it over! Glad you enjoyed the prompt!
poemsofhateandhope said:
Very impressed- 63 poems so far- and still time to go! Just off out – will be back later to clean up and wash the apron!
John (@bookdreamer) said:
Hello, the lights are on but looks like it’s drinking up time only as even the bar staff have gone out for a fag.
I’ve played with the chorus of a Roberta Flack hit.
poemsofhateandhope said:
Ahem! Hey John! The staff- well…me lol are still here! The beers are still cold! And the lights are burning bright! Will head over and have a read ASAP!
poemsofhateandhope said:
Right then poets! I’d just like to say a massive thank you for all of your contributions this weekend. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and loved reading your words and interpretations- in my eyes – just about 70 responses (which we may well have by morning) is not too bad at all. Of course- my aim is to break the 100 barrier- not sure why I set these stupid goals for myself as after all it’s quality not quantity- but with SO much quality in the dVerse pub- I think we can manage it. I’ll be checking tomorrow am to pick up any last minute entries!….have a good one y’all! see you in a few weeks. Stuart
Gary said:
Great prompt! http://poetrytech.com/2012/05/06/dancing-about-architecture/
Lydia said:
Mine is up. How I did love this prompt. Thank you, Brian.
Tania said:
Can’t get the linky thing to work, but I wrote this today, after just finding this blog, and wanted to play along: http://mywordsarealive.wordpress.com/2012/05/06/oneword-instrumental/
poemsofhateandhope said:
Hey Tania- the linky expires after 48 hours- BUT! Why don’t you post this for #openlinknight on Tuesday ? – that way hundreds of people will get to read and comment! Not just lonely old me! How does that sound?
Tania said:
Sounds perfect! I only recently found this site, but it’s on my follow list now 🙂
poemsofhateandhope said:
Tania- excellent- see you there tomorrow! Nice to meet you! The Mr Linky goes up at 3pm EST