Today, let’s travel back in time, to feudal times in
China, which began with the Xia dynasty in 2070 B.C., ending with the
Revolution of 1911. In those times, girls and women, whose feet were
usually bound, were oppressed, often living circumscribed lives of isolation.
In the Hunan province, peasant women developed a secret language of female
writing, called nu
shu.
A young girl was matched with a lifelong best friend, or soul sister, called
her laotang, with whom she communicated by letter.
Sometimes these messages were inscribed on fans,
which were passed back and forth. It was not until the 1960’s that this secret
language of women drew the interest of the authorities and scholars.
The story of one of these captivating relationships is told in the book by Lisa See, and the film Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
The story of one of these captivating relationships is told in the book by Lisa See, and the film Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
Our exercise is to write a poem in the voice of
another: in this case, the voice of a woman living in feudal times, addressing
her laotang,
Or,
Write from the point of view of any living creature.
The canvas is wide. Amaze me!
21 comments:
That looks like an amazing movie!
I will now go on leave... will be outside all internet for a week or so, hope to catch up so I still can do 30 poems in a month.
A most challenging prompt, Sherry!💜 Gosh my fingers were trembling as I wrote hoping to do justice to the emotions of these women. Day 6! Phew!☕
i am sorry - i linked to the wrong poem - here is today's poem https://lindiannhewittcoleman.wordpress.com/2018/04/06/loxodonta-africana/
again i really enjoyed the prompt (and will watch the movie with mydaughter's this evening) thank you.
@lindi
I have fixed your link. Thank you for participating.
Hope its OK to speak from the vantage of dead creatures, too.
What a fascinating prompt!
I am going to post and run – to bed, as it's getting late. I'll read you all tomorrow.
What a wealthy topic to consider and mine for treasures - thanks Sherry! I'm sure this jumping off point will inspire all kinds of goodies for us. LOL - I'm just so tired, but must muster the brain cells - may take awhile though.
I am back from spring break later today. From 70 and sunny to possible snow! If someone could link me up one last time I’d be grateful. I will visit and comment all the posts I missed tomorrow.
Mine is not about a feudal Chinese woman, but it is about a woman. Kind of.
Such a beautiful prompt. I needed it today. My mind is going in a thousand directions of pain. My favorite uncle passed away yesterday. I can't process it without anger. Because of twisted insurance laws and the failure to diagnose his illness, he literally starved to death. My solace is he is no longer suffering.
Oh Susie, how absolutely horrible. I am so very sorry.
Bjorn, you must be going into the wilds. Have a glorious time.
It is so nice to see you all here this morning. On the West Coast, it is just morning. I look forward to reading all of your responses. Yes, the movie is wonderful, very moving. And Brendan, the voice of a dead creature is very appropriate, given we have killed off so many.
Late to the prompt for me as I've had a day out on the moors.....challenging prompt Sherry. Let's see what occurs ;)
Have a good break!
This sounds like a fun prompt. I read the book; it was engaging and fascinating.
This great, Sherry! I look forward to watching the film.
Thank you for this wonderful prompt. As onnabugeisha, I of course had to write with the voice of my sword and the first time I held her.
I so enjoyed the varied and wonderful responses to this prompt. Thank you all for taking part, and coming up with such amazing voices. I loved every single one.
Another stunning prompt, Thanks Sherry
much love...
Sorry I'm late, Toads! Thanks, Sherry, for this compelling promt. I chose a unique voice in which to write! I hope I do her justice! :)
Mine's not about medieval China, but about someone trying to express herself/himself in conventional phrases, as the nu shu lines were portrayed in the book.
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