I always enjoy a challenge and last week fellow poet, Linda Mitchell issued a list of 'Clunker Exchange lines' and invited everyone to take up a line from the list and see where that might lead. we were also invited to exchange a clunker line of our own.
Upon making my choice, I immediately saw potential in the words on offer.
I took them and played with the possibilities in my notebook. I gently surrounded them with new words, assisting my chosen line to nestle comfortably in to this new poetic location.
The resulting poem is in the form of Ars Poetica which I have featured previously.
The Mud And The Flowers
Words trip and stumble onto the page
Leaving the pen unsettled
Leaving the writer pondering the next hesitant action
The fate of the very next line.
Those words,
There, on the paper
No doubt appear as
A weedy patch of writing
-should never see the light of day
But they are there nonetheless
Resting uncomfortably
Awaiting possible erasure,
A pen stroke,
Revision,
Abandonment maybe…
The writer closes the notebook
And places a little distance between themselves
And the troublesome text.
In the light of a new day
Those words will be viewed through a lens refreshed.
Time to consider the next step
For now, their fate in abeyance.
Every writer learns insight
From each word that appears before them.
Both the mud and the flowers.
Alan j Wright
It is once more, Poetry Friday and this week our host is Patricia Franz
Patricia's post focuses on being part of something larger, a thought inspired by her reading. Patricia presents a poem that shares part of her gratifying experience planting seedlings.
Favorite line: For now, their fate in abeyance. Having just read Karen Edminsten's post of Naomi Shihab Nye's "How Do I Know When a Poem Is Finished?", your creation feels as though in conversation with Nye's. I can see these words, waiting in abeyance as the door closes, allowing the dustballs to gather. And we writers might later come dust them off and look for wisdom in the mud and flowers. Thank you for a beautiful reflection, Alan. That clunker shines.
ReplyDeleteYour comments are much appreciated, Patricia. So glad those borrowed words from Linda found a safe place to reside.
DeleteWhat a great ars poetica poem. This writing should definitely see the light of day. I love the beginning and end with "mud and flowers." Nice poem that is not at all a clunker.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Denise. Glad you enjoy the poem that grew from those words Linda so kindly offered.
DeleteHi Alan! This is Janice. Your poem, like all your work is so carefully written. I love "troublesome text" and "their fate in abeyance." I always appreciate your use of language. I feel the writing process in your description.
ReplyDeleteJanice, I so appreciate your supportive response to my poem. The writing process is ingrained in all of us long term poets. Reflecting upon it hopefully adds a further dimension to our writing lives.
DeleteAlan, the thought of words tripping and stumbling onto the page and resting uncomfortably is perfect. You gave these unnamed words personality and emotion. I love your ending as well!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tracey. You have provided a response that sustains me as a poet.
DeleteI love what you've done, and the clunker created an ending of truth, Alan. I see that Patricia mentioned Karen's sharing of the Nye poem! It seems that you both have brought new thoughts for helping writers with their word conundrums! I loved reading it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. The processes we undertake are worthy of attention, so it pleases me that you, as a fellow poet, appreciate that when reading my words. Much appreciated.
DeleteYou captured the writing process perfectly!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary Lee. I am continually urging teachers to share aspects of their writing process with inexperienced writers, so it is only right and fair that I practice what I preach.
DeleteOh, that is a great poem...the inner thoughts of the poet writing all lead to that last line and title. I'm absolutely thrilled to see a clunker show up in this gem of a poem. And, the writing process is so fascinating. I love that it's the basis of this poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Linda. So glad you enjoyed my efforts to ease those gifted words into this space.I enjoyed the making of this poem. That line became irresistible and the writing process is a favourite theme of mine, so it was quite synchronicitous.
DeleteThank you, Alan. Your words say so much about writing and the decisions made by writers that we're never quite sure of.
ReplyDeleteA pleasure, Rose. I am always sharing my mantra with young writers -'Writers make decisions.' Our processes are unique and ever fascinating.
DeleteWow, you really bring it home to that final line, Alan. You give it so much depth and meaning, and goodness knows this is affirmation that young writers--and all writers--need to hear!
DeleteSo kind of you Laura. Thank you for these sustaining remarks.
DeleteArs Poetica all around, Alan. :) I love when various bits of Poetry Friday dovetail in this way!
ReplyDeleteIt's so wonderful when things somehow come together like this, Karen. Poetic joy!
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