Tags
Keats, Memories, Metaphors, Object Poetry, Pablo Neruda, poetry prompt, Sensory Description, Tropes, Victoria Slotto
A week or so ago I came upon an old spatula in the back of a kitchen drawer in a home that used to belong to my parents. It immediately transported me back in time to my growing-up years and a poem of memories and sensory description made its way into a rough draft that I posted for Open Link Night.
An object poem can offer a fresh look at something ordinary, something that is part of your everyday life. Or it can allow you to take an unfamiliar object and make its acquaintance. An object may have sentimental value, an unusual shape or texture or it may be something that teases your curiosity, that interests you.
For this week’s Meeting the Bar, I invite you to find some old artifact or even something newer that will tickle your creative muse. Here are some suggestions—a look at how to do that.
You could begin by enlisting the help of your senses. How does it smell, taste, feel to touch? Describe what you see or hear. Does it make you feel a certain way or engage a memory? Where did find it? Give some environmental details if appropriate. Are there any verbs that pop into mind when you see this thing?
Go ahead, take it a step further. Is it possible that this artifact can be used metaphorically? Does that stale bread remind you of a relationship, or the gravel beneath your bare feet the pain you find along life’s journey? Does it, perhaps, remind you of someone or something in your own life? Personify it, if you like.
I can’t resist sharing a fragment of Neruda’s famous poem, Ode to an Artichoke:
Around it,
demoniac vegetables
bristle their thicknesses,
devise
tendrils and belfries,
the bulb’s agitations;
while under the subsoil
the carrot
sleeps sound in its
rusty mustaches.
Excerpt from Ode to an Artichoke, copyright, Pablo Neruda.
Another example is, of course, Keats’s Ode to a Grecian Urn, in which he uses the second person to address the object itself.
Finally, here is a poem I have posted previously that allows you to see the transition from the thing to its effect on me:
Alternate Uses for a Steak Knife
I know better
than to dig blindly
in the tool box.
The knife—
sharp as it was
the day he died
ten years ago.
A bit of rust next
to the handle
crusted with dirt.
I can see him
digging
beside the Sago
Palm, uprooting
stubborn weeds,
opening boxes,
slicing through
years of crap
to get at truth.
Then he would
sharpen the blade.
Listen carefully,
hear the song
of steel meeting flint.
That last time,
could he guess that
I would bleed?
Copyright, Victoria C. Slotto, 2011
So come on down to the pub, bring someTHING to share and read your fellow poets. For those of you new to this community, here’s how to join:
• Write your poem and post it on you website or blog;
• Access Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post and add your name and the direct URL to your poem;
• Visit other poets who have participated and comment on their work…especially those who have cared enough to read and comment on yours;
• Have fun…and you think about inviting someone new to join us at the pub.
This will be my last post at dVerse for a while. I need a break to bring my second novel and a book of poetry to publication. The novel is ready to go. I just need the time to format it on CreateSpace. I’ve decided to self-publish this time. I do plan on returning in a few months. In the meantime, I will continue to join in with poems, perhaps a bit less frequently, and will continue to post on my blog.
Many thanks to Claudia and Brian for their support and to all the members of the dVerse team—not to forget each of you who, with your poetry, make this poetry community, this pub, the best place to taste poetry and friendship. Au Revoir for a little while.
Abhra Pal said:
Victoria – that is a very nice prompt and actually so much can be done around it – sounds like great fun –
Victoria C. Slotto said:
I hope it’s fun for everyone.
kkkkaty1k said:
I had something written and hope it works…objectifying rain, which has eluded the west coast of the U. S. lately…great prompt as I can think of utterly dozens of more ideas 😉
Victoria C. Slotto said:
I’m here in the West…not a drop of rain. Can’t wait to read.
Björn Rudberg (brudberg) said:
I love the prompt… I just might want to write a second entry.. so much fun to think around objects like this…
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Go for it, Bjorn!
claudia said:
a wonderful prompt victoria– writing poetry about the things we see around us each day brings them alive in a complete new way
happy thursday– i’ll be out on the trail in a minute..
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Loved yours, Claudia
claudia said:
thanks victoria
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Welcome, everyone. Hope you have fun with it.
Grace said:
Thank you for the lovely prompt Victoria ~ I really admire the odes by Pablo Neruda. ~
I will be by to return visits ~
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thanks, Grace. I enjoy Neruda, too.
brian miller said:
fun stuff v….
thank you so much for all your hard work…and enjoy your break…i look forward to seeing how your projects work out….
i will be around as soon as i get these kids out of here…
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thanks, Brian.
hypercryptical said:
Thanks for the excellent prompt Victoria. I had written mine this afternoon working off a clue on Claudia’s wonderful write. I think maybe I got it wrong though- as in interpretation!…Nevertheless I have posted.
I word echo Brian’s comment re your hard work, enjoying your break and good luck with your projects.
Kind regards.
Anna :o]
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thank you, Anna. I’m sure whatever you come up with will be perfect.
shanyns said:
This is awesome. I have some ideas that came to mind when I read your words.
Can’t wait to see your finished projects, stay in touch. You’ll be missed!
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thanks, Shanyn…I’m not going far.
claudia said:
can’t wait as well to see your finished projects victoria – and glad you’re not going far…smiles… thanks for all you’ve done as well
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thank YOU!
lupitatucker said:
Hi Victoria! I loved your spatula poem, and the idea you are giving us to write with. Hopefully I can write something today, if not, it will be percolating in my mind for sure! Looking forward to reading everyone’s poems.
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thanks, Lupita. Enjoy the process whenever it happens.
claudia said:
looking forward to what you come up with lupita – and reading is always much appreciated as well…
Myrna said:
Thank you Victoria. Good luck on your books.
claudia said:
woohooo! myrna’s in the house…over to read in a minute
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thank you, Myrna
Mary said:
Victoria, I really enjoyed your prompt. I think that there are many ‘objects’ that deserve to have a poem written about them. Your prompt could have me busy for days. I always liked the “Ode to a Grecian Urn” by Keats. Great poem, and good example.
I am sorry that you will not hosting dVerse for a while, as I ALWAYS enjoy your prompts. I do ‘follow’ your blog, so I will find your poetry, in any case. Best of luck on your projects…..and hope that you will find your way back to dVerse sooner rather than later.
brian miller said:
i went the easy way out with my chair…but after writing it i kept having ideas pop in my head at things i could have done an ode to…might have to file that away for later….smiles.
Victoria C. Slotto said:
I so appreciate you, Mary.
Gabriella said:
Victoria, I enjoyed your prompt today! The hardest thing was to decide what object to choose.
I wish you all the best with your writing and publishing projects and look forward to seeing you back at dVerse.
brian miller said:
ha. true…see my response to mary above…
Victoria C. Slotto said:
I also have been looking at “things” in a new way…things begging to be written about.
Gay Reiser Cannon said:
I wrote something – not sure if it’s poetic but it’s meaningful to me and true. Thanks, as always, Victoria for your great prompts. Sorry life sometimes takes me away and I don’t participate but we all do what we can when we can as I know you understand.
brian miller said:
its always good to see you gay…smiles.
Gay Reiser Cannon said:
You too Brian – I just left a long and perhaps strange comment on your poem. Ha…I am getting weirder as I get older.
brian miller said:
not weird at all gay.
smiles.
much appreciated
though i like weird so…
smiles.
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Wise words.
Victoria C. Slotto said:
So sorry I’ve been MIA–I have a minor family situation re: my mom’s caregivers. If I don’t make it back tonight, I will read and comment tomorrow.
brian miller said:
oy i hope you get that worked out v….sorry.
i will hang out in the mean time and be sure to greet those stopping in…
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thanks so much, Brian. I’m hoping to catch up this morning.
Snakypoet (Rosemary Nissen-Wade) said:
All the best for your books, Victoria, and many thanks for all your work here.
brian miller said:
hiya rosemary…
happy thursday to you
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thank you, Rosemary. I’ll be around.
Linda Kruschke said:
I love this prompt. I’m really hoping I can find some time to try it before Mr. Linky expires. 🙂 Peace, Linda
brian miller said:
you have 33 hours…well about 27.5 as of right now….
hope to see you back in a bit…
Linda Kruschke said:
Plenty of time! I made it back and posted my link. Now to read a few other wonderful poems. Peace, Linda
brian miller said:
shalom
Victoria C. Slotto said:
If not, there’s always OLN
Linda Kruschke said:
I do love that there’s always OLN, but I made it in time for this one. 🙂 Good luck with your publishing ventures. You’ll be missed. Peace, Linda
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Yeah. I’ll be off to read it soon.
Bodhirose said:
Bittersweet…wrote about a pocket knife of my Dad’s that I found after he died. Got me thinking…
claudia said:
a moving write gayle… i use my victorinox mostly to cut watercolor paper…ha…smiles
brian miller said:
smiles….my father and my FIL both carry pocketknives….
i can not as i can not have one in school…
they gave one to my son though that he carries on the weekends….
Victoria C. Slotto said:
So cool how things tell stories of loved ones.
ramblingsfromamum said:
Thanks Vick – it amazes me how I have something written and I hold and then a prompt comes up and it fits…well hopefully it does 🙂
ramblingsfromamum said:
and I so forgot to mention enjoy your break – self publishing – I did it… it simply is the way of the future – as much as holding a book in your hands solidifies the experience, it’s a long hard road with Publishers. I wish you success and happiness Vick – its’ n Aussie language – see ya later – not goodbye 🙂
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thanks, Jenny. You’re right. Self-publishing is so satisfying…if only I could pay a marketer!
MarinaSofia said:
Good luck with your book and poetry collection. You will be missed, but what a lovely prompt to end on. (Still, I hope it’s not the end, merely au revoir).
brian miller said:
hows your week going marina?
MarinaSofia said:
Bless you, Brian, thanks for asking. Bit busy this end, hence no contribution, but I do try to read as much from you guys as I can!
Victoria C. Slotto said:
I do hope to be back soon, Marina. Thank you.
rosross said:
An interesting prompt. Thanks.
brian miller said:
yes, it was
Victoria C. Slotto said:
You are so welcome, rosross.
scotthastiepoet said:
Hi there Victoria,
I have had a dizzy week, with no time to contribute last night – but just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your ‘Steak Knife’ poem – terrific writing… All the best to you and hope to catchup properly one dV night, when the dust settles…
With Best Wishes Scott http://www.scotthastie.com
brian miller said:
hiya scott….what got your week so busy?
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thank you so much, Scott. I always enjoy seeing your here.
lynndiane said:
Au revoir, Victoria, and blessings on your publishing project (and family matters too).
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thank you, lynndiane. And thanks for the blessings.
Grandmother (Mary) said:
Thanks for the prompt which showed me how much I’m missing my Honey! Good luck on your project.
brian miller said:
awww….smiles.
loved it…
Victoria C. Slotto said:
I hope you find comfort in writing of something of his, Mary.
Victoria C. Slotto said:
I’m back and off to read. Looking forward to your offerings!
Akila said:
Come back soon Victoria! love your prompts….best wishes for your soon-to-be published works
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thank you, Akila. I do offer prompts on my blog and monthly at http://intothebardo.wordpress.com Not such large venues as here.
Victoria C. Slotto said:
I have to leave again for the afternoon. Not quite caught up but I will, I promise!
brian miller said:
smiles. just caught up myself.
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Thanks all for you fine contributions. I’ll stop by in the morning in case there are any late ones. Have a happy weekend.