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Thursday, July 14, 2016

Words Count With Mama Zen

As I write this (July 10th), I'm feeling bruised and battered by the news of the world.  My heart is heavy, my hands feel useless, and I simply can't handle any more horror today.  I need something beautiful. Maybe, you do, too.

Here, for your enjoyment and inspiration, are a few images that entered the public domain this year.

Emily Carr, "Big Raven" (1931), oil on canvas (via Vancouver Art Gallery)
Emily Carr, "Big Raven" (1931)

 Käthe Kollwitz, "Frau mit totem Kind" (1903) (via Wikimedia)
 Käthe Kollwitz, "Frau mit totem Kind" (1903)

 Albert Richards, "France - the Beach Head, 1944" (1944) (via Imperial War Museums)
Albert Richards, "France - the Beach Head, 1944" (1944)

 Art by Milena Pavlović Barili (via Museum of Contemporary Art Belgrade)
Milena Pavlović Barili

Now, write a poem inspired by one of these images . . . 60 words or less.
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18 comments:

  1. Kerry O'ConnorJuly 14, 2016 at 8:17 AM

    I agree - a little beauty would go a long way.

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  2. brudbergJuly 14, 2016 at 9:06 AM

    I feel like lead inside, which is only partly caused by a persistent flu... need to think of beauty here.... certainly some of the pictures only served to make me more sad...

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  3. Stacie EirichJuly 14, 2016 at 9:43 AM

    I was journaling on this very subject earlier this morn, trying to find beauty in a unique moment of time - I envisioned time lapse photography, an art in slow motion. There is a sadness in it too, because it is fleeting -- but yes, we need the beauty for hope, for continued movement, for light. Perhaps I can turn my thoughts into a poem later -- thanks for the prompt.

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  4. brudbergJuly 14, 2016 at 9:50 AM

    I think there is hope... but maybe the hope is embedded too deep in my poem... if does not fulfill the prompt just take it away.

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  5. ✿July 14, 2016 at 10:54 AM

    That raven picture looks edible. Like green mousse. I kind of want to finger-lick it. :)

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  6. ✿July 14, 2016 at 10:56 AM

    Or maybe it's Bjorn's snotty flu-goo.

    Ew. ;)

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  7. Susie ClevengerJuly 14, 2016 at 11:47 AM

    What a great prompt. I chose the painting by Milena Pavlović Barili. She was a Serbian painter and poet. How fitting. I am so behind on reading poetry, but I will catch up!

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  8. Bekkie SanchezJuly 14, 2016 at 11:49 AM

    The images are a little sad too, or is it just me? I agree with you Mama Zen we need some beauty! I like writing about images I'll be linking up after I choose one to write about.

    Hope you feel better Bjorn! I hope everyone feels better. We must have hope.

    I'm glad I have my bike riding because it gives me the beauty and peace I need to get on with my day and life.

    Love, Bekkie

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  9. Kerry O'ConnorJuly 14, 2016 at 1:17 PM

    I came in at a little over 60 words for my sevenling - oops.

    Bjorn, I've been battling persistent sinusitis for a month - very debilitating. I hope you feel better sooner rather than later.

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  10. Maude LynnJuly 14, 2016 at 3:58 PM

    I'm late for my own prompt! I'm battling plumbers and electricians. I think the flu would be cheaper.

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  11. Bekkie SanchezJuly 14, 2016 at 4:04 PM

    I hope I offered up some beauty. I'll be around to read I'm catching up too.

    Hugs! Bekkie

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  12. hyperCRYPTICalJuly 14, 2016 at 7:34 PM

    I found the images rather dark too, this reflected in my offering. Nevertheless there is much beauty in this world of ours.
    Kind regards
    Anna :o]

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  13. JimJuly 15, 2016 at 2:39 AM

    Good prompt, MZ. What can I say, for me I could only choose the fourth picture? The rest were dark in mood to me also. I wrote with my iPad and had trouble with it. I'll do better in the morning with a computer. I might change it out for a 'painting elephant' until then.
    ..

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  14. hedgewitchJuly 15, 2016 at 8:39 AM

    I was totally blocked yesterday, but this was here this morning, so I offer it, as I think it meets the spirit if not the latter of the prompt, as it does exceed the word count quite a bit. So if you feel it is not appropriate, please go ahead and delete it. Will probably not be able to visit till the weekend.

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  15. Gillena CoxJuly 15, 2016 at 12:51 PM

    macro sadness, shuts me down, where it not for prompts such as this one, i really cannot write

    Thanks fot this prompt Mama Zen

    much love...

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  16. OutlawyerJuly 15, 2016 at 7:11 PM

    Thank you, MZ. Mine did go over, but at least is not super long. Hope okay. Thanks. k.

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  17. OutlawyerJuly 15, 2016 at 7:37 PM

    MZ - I didn't really aim for beautiful, but mainly image inspiration. So have failed on two counts--but wrote what came to mind. k.

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  18. HannahJuly 16, 2016 at 5:35 PM

    My heart is heavy with news too, Mama Z...thank you for these images and the opportunity to write. ♥

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Much time and effort went into this post! Your feedback is appreciated.