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Whatsherface 52F
1956 posts
3/22/2008 1:39 am
Ramblings of Flu


Gower's 38 words, 1 poem challenge set me thinking.

I confess, I am not that fond of poetry. Shocking, isn't it? I think it's because I see so many bad ones. Most take themselves too seriously and are so pretentious that I get paper cuts in my haste to flip the pages as fast as possible.

That's not to say there are no good poems. When they are good, they can transport you to a better world where words and emotions and mental imageries marry and tarry in your imagination.

I prefer prose. I like to tell a story. It probably harks back to my childhood, listening to my grandfather spin tall stories and lead me on quests that inevitably got us punished by my grandmother.

So, I always feel a little bit of a fraud and poser for writing poetry but sometimes it calls and I follow even if my heart veers to another.

Gower probably had no idea that it was with a sense of mild hesitation that I approached the challenge as his poetry is fierce indeed. But my usually dormant to the point of non-existent competitive spirit awoke and I think I rose to the challenge, acquitting myself with my usual élan.

But that process of pushing myself out of my normal comfort zone made me think. That was rather fun and I like challenges that do that.

I used to compete in the crafting of words in a stressful environment. Plain English speaking using a given concept within 30 minutes of deliberation. Crafting stories with specific number of words in 10 minutes. Usage of words and alliteration in quick draw exchanges. Re-penning of lyrics to fit a melody after one swift listen.

The theme was fast and furious. Rapid repartee of words. One-upman-, or in my case, one- upwomanship of words and speech. Humour always a prerequisite. Wit a mandate.

It honed my skills and made sharp discourses a lethal tool that seared the air with fast paced verbal and literary sparring.

So, I started thinking. How else can I challenge myself? And I decided that I would combine two of my loves.

Art and words. Which to me are fairly interchangeable and quite the same thing anyway.

I will pick an image, be it a painting or photo, and craft words to wrap around my interpretation like a lyrical photo caption. Still keeping to the fast & furious concept. Prose or poetry both admissible. A subconscious, "free style" that will write itself if you will.

Thus, onto the first challenge. Pens (or keyboards) on the ready ... en garde ...

Boy, these drugs work a treat ...


In the immortal words from 6th Sense ... I see stupid people.


potterspal2 64F

3/22/2008 6:59 am

I think I'd like some of your drugs.....if they'd make me write like this! Gad, formidable!!!


Whatsherface 52F
2044 posts
3/22/2008 8:16 am

I'll share if you bring food. Cupboard love was discovered because of me ...

Awww ... Ta.

In the immortal words from 6th Sense ... I see stupid people.


MunchkinMatron2 55F
13333 posts
3/22/2008 9:13 am

Geez, we WERE separated at birth, indeed. I'm not into poetry myself. Only ever did two in here, and I don't think I'd ever repeat the experience again.

If I must write poetry, I'd rather do lewd limericks, actually.

I'm dyslexic. I scream Ho Dog instead of Oh God in the throes of passion.


Whatsherface 52F
2044 posts
3/22/2008 9:59 am

Me too ... hence Pissed Mary.

In the immortal words from 6th Sense ... I see stupid people.


Whatsherface 52F
2044 posts
3/22/2008 6:11 pm

Heh heh, I do stuff like that all the time. And frankly, I seldom care what others say because most of the time my real challenger is myself.

Yeah, awake but still sick. Pissing me off. Might need to have another challenge to relieve the boredom of illness.

Ta!

In the immortal words from 6th Sense ... I see stupid people.