We all have them. Old landscape photographs that fail to register years later. I am often pondering the locations of such images.
U.K. singer/songwriter, Billy Bragg has even written a song about 'Ten Mysterious Photographs That Can't Be Explained.' I certainly have a pile of such photographs among my collection that fit that category.
I am sufficiently intriguied by all this photographic mystery to write an ekphrastic poem about. This is poetry of place, even if the place is currently unknown...
Landscape, Somewhere
A photographic image
Of a somewhat non-descript landscape
Nothing in this old black and white snap
To readily identify where it might have been taken
No distinct memory markers
No printed signs
To satisfy my geographical curiosity
A mysterious photo that can’t be explained
As Billy Bragg once lamented.
It’s just a bland landscape
-a stretch of water
ringed by a dark and distant forest
Some tonal difference
But little else
The sky?
-a grey unbroken mass.
Would waiting thirty second
s have made any appreciable difference
to the shot’s composition?
…well, yes.
Enough time for a meteor to crash through that grey skyline
Before impacting the lake with a spectacular crash.
Enough time for an enthusiastic child
to cartwheel in front of the camera
Enough time for unintentional human intervention
in the form of a profoundly apologetic photo-bomber.
Perhaps a swooping hawk might suddenly
swoop through an otherwise static scene
Delivering a brief, wow, did you see that? moment.
This humdrum scene
Could, by fortuitous inclusion have possessed dramatic elements
That drew the eye like a fly in a bowl of rice
An orangutan in the snow
A rat in a bowl of custard
But alas…
It remains a photographic image
of a somewhat non-descript landscape.
Alan j wright.
Of a somewhat non-descript landscape
Nothing in this old black and white snap
To readily identify where it might have been taken
No distinct memory markers
No printed signs
To satisfy my geographical curiosity
A mysterious photo that can’t be explained
As Billy Bragg once lamented.
It’s just a bland landscape
-a stretch of water
ringed by a dark and distant forest
Some tonal difference
But little else
The sky?
-a grey unbroken mass.
Would waiting thirty second
s have made any appreciable difference
to the shot’s composition?
…well, yes.
Enough time for a meteor to crash through that grey skyline
Before impacting the lake with a spectacular crash.
Enough time for an enthusiastic child
to cartwheel in front of the camera
Enough time for unintentional human intervention
in the form of a profoundly apologetic photo-bomber.
Perhaps a swooping hawk might suddenly
swoop through an otherwise static scene
Delivering a brief, wow, did you see that? moment.
This humdrum scene
Could, by fortuitous inclusion have possessed dramatic elements
That drew the eye like a fly in a bowl of rice
An orangutan in the snow
A rat in a bowl of custard
But alas…
It remains a photographic image
of a somewhat non-descript landscape.
Alan j wright.
It is once more, Poetry Friday and our host this time is Matt Forrest-Esenwine. Matt has charge of the poetry roundup at Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme. Check it out.
Alan - this made me giggle. I take so many photos, and, at the time they are meaningful. But so many of them cease to be anything but nondescript landscapes. I love the idea of what 'could' have happened in that 30 seconds. Thanks for your poem.
ReplyDeleteGlad it made for giggling, Sally. Writing this poem was a most enjoyable experience.
DeleteLove the thirty second possibilities, Alan! As I stared at that photo, there was something about the light that cast a mysterious vibe and set my mind wandering. Since we all probably have photos like that, thanks for the reminder of their potential for poetry.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rose. I have no doubt there will be a photo among your personal collection which will prompt some further reflection...
DeleteI've been going through old photo albums, trying to keep only those who give back, something! At least in my case, I know the year! Your poem will change how I look at the many landscapes, Alan. Your imagination, like "a swooping hawk", soars! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt appears my poem is itmely, Linda. Thank you for your kind response. Equally hope your weekend is a cracker!
DeleteA nondescript photo -- yet somehow I find it interesting. There is a glow in the sky that is reflected in the lake that makes me think there is more going on behind the scenes. I perfect murky place for the first Poetry Friday of October. Your poem adds a touch of humor to the scene!
ReplyDeleteAh, Tracey there is always something to be found in looking a little deeper into what at first sight might appear mundane. We could always speculate on what is happening outside the range of the shot. You have set me thinking further into this.
DeleteIndeed, so many possibilities from a scene many would pass by. (I can't get the image of a custard rat out of my head now!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Matt. Spotting a rat in the custard is something hard to erase from memory.
DeleteIn so many ways, you turned this "bland" image into hilarity, Alan. The early lines and rhythm drew me in, much as the msytery of the photo:
ReplyDelete"Would waiting thirty second
s have made any appreciable difference
to the shot’s composition?"
But, back to the image... I actually love it :)
oops...that was me.
DeleteThanks Patriicia. In this case bland was beguiling for this poet.
DeletePerhaps there was a breaching whale... and you missed it! Or that bird... soared out of frame! Or lightning! Yes, I for sure have not got pics of that! Perhaps this snapshot 'captures' an attempt at an elusive opportunity... :)
ReplyDeleteBefore and after perspectives, Kat. I like that viewpoint. those prior opportunities perhaps.
DeleteYes! I have dozens of these from my Grandmother's photos...I have no idea where/why or when. But, I love that she felt compelled to spend the money on film for that moment. Even though she's gone, I think she must have been a poet too. I love all the imagined interuptions to the photo! LOL. Great prompt those old B&W pics. Now, I'll have to take a few minutes to sift through them again.
ReplyDeleteMay your rummaging reveal some long lost treasures where those photographs rise like the pheonix, Linda. Wishing you happy hunting, Linda.
DeleteI think "waiting thirty seconds" would make an "appreciable difference" in landscape photos...and most everything in life. Taking a 30 second beat before pressing a button (metaphorically or otherwise) is a good way to live. Great poem, Alan. :)
ReplyDeleteBridget, your response reminds me of the term- stillpoints. A time when we sit still and appreciate our surroundings, our immediate thoughts. Glad you liked the poem.
DeleteGood reminder that our lives are made up primarily of moments like the nondescript one in this photo...and yet we cherish ALL the moments we're given, whether dull or memorable!
ReplyDeleteMoments punctuate our days, our lives, be they significant or seemingly insginificant. Your comment is so pertinent, Mary Lee. We just have to be open and ready for them.
DeleteAlan, I love the place you chose to write about and the smiles that came from the list of "dramatic elements" that the photo doesn't possess. Clever and fun poem of place.
ReplyDelete