The quote, by Hans Christian Andersen, comes from the original version of the Little Mermaid, which was much darker and macabre than the Disney version many will associate with it (think - not so happy ending). He has many quotes in the tale which relate to existential elements of life - and indeed the afterlife - amongst other things - the desire to travel or breach "surfaces"/barriers (onto land) - to give up all to do so (for love, or for a soul as some critics suggest considering the ending...) - to fulfil wishes etc - and of course the quote above - the death in its entirety with nothing more...
The picture is called "Death of a Mermaid" which, whilst not quite what I envisioned - fits the quote/theme for this week. As always I try to leave it as open as possible and you can take the theme in many directions - focus on the theme/quote - or the picture if you want - the lack of an afterlife perhaps, or as Kerry suggested the perils of unrequited love... or you could focus on the tale itself, which is quite tragic in my opinion. You could even write about mermaids in general if you wanted haha, or take a more melancholic approach. - lots of avenues - philosophical or creative (or both).
In the fairytale he compares this quote (about mermaids) to that of human's who do have a soul and afterlife - though I ignored that and cut it out as when applied more generally to life it opens the quote up a whole lot more! I look forward to seeing what you come up with for this!
15 Toads & Flowers:
I've always read this tale as a cautionary one - concerning the perils of unrequited love.... Hmmmm...
When I first looked at the photo I thought this wasn't a prompt for me. Then I ignored the image and re-read the first paragraph. The resulting poem burst forth. Gotta love process.
This is, as you might imagine, a subject very close to my heart. Of all the things I could have linked, though, I ended up posting something new.
I am so glad to have read the above comments. My poem bears little relation to the prompt ... well except for the fact that I do mention the moon. And then there is the "dark" subject matter.
I have a favor to ask ... in my war poetry, I am looking for real criticism. Thanks.
ah. blue.
The sea gets to me every time...
I found it very difficult to get an angle on this prompt. I grew up beside the sea; and was tumbled around in the waves and dumped on the beach enough times to contemplate death by drowning, enough to develop a healthy respect for its lack of mercy... it's definitely not how I would like to go.
brilliant responses from all!! and so quick! I'll have to work on something too now haha - loving the diversity in approach!
Well, I managed something. I love all of yours!
I took away the theme of what is the meaning of "afterlife" or "immortality" and came up with the above poem.
Took me awhile to finish this special sonnet. Hope you enjoy
It was an interesting idea to try and play around with. I don't think I did it justice but what's done is done.
This is my first contribution. I enjoyed the prompt. Thank you.
This is my first contribution here too. I followed to you from Brenda's post.
Love writing about mermaids and such, thank you.
This one's on my WordPress blog, Bird's-Eye Gemini.
http://lkkolp.wordpress.com/2011/09/04/mermaids-the-new-vampire/
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