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"Interpretations For Consideration"


Prologue
NaPoWriMo 2022 (Prologue)

By Debra White



This year, for NaPoWriMo,
I'd like to take a look
at thirty diff'rent pictures,
then make a little book
of my interpretations
of what the pictures show,
for your consideration -
All thoughts welcomed below... 


 

Author Notes NaPoWriMo - National Poetry Writing Month

I hope that you enjoy reading my book of ekphrastic poetry as it evolves over the month.

Thank you in advance for any feedback that you wish to leave. I appreciate you!

Best wishes, Debra :)

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 1
Enveloped in Memories

By Debra White


take me back
to frazzled days
when all-consuming love
and tiredness ruled

tears
ours both
were plenty
as we figured each other out
and sometimes
for a moment
I would forget
that the greatest gift was mine

not daisies
nor buttercups
so proudly presented
      but you
            just you

and now

wildflowers from yesteryear
crisp with age
gently whisper
     the greatest gift
     is still mine


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 2
On Closer Inspection

By Debra White



A penguin perched upon a rock,
examining the moon.
He'd argued it was made of cheese -
He felt such a buffoon!

From this position he now saw
the daft mistake he'd made -
It was, in fact, a bowling ball
the nighttime sky displayed.



 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 3
Brilliance

By Debra White








golden sunflower
presented in black and white -
     a masterpiece, still

 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 4
And I Love You

By Debra White



"And the songbirds are singing
like they know the score. And I love you..."

Piano's song
pulls my heart strings.
I have always
loved you, you know.

As time tick tocks ever faster,
we make the most
of ev'ry day that dawns.


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

After reading Gloria's gorgeous Sapphonic Triad, 'Lily', (read it, if you haven't already!) I decided to attempt the form.

This form was created by FanStory's ciliverde and named by Pantygynt. It opens with a quote of two lines (approximately 16 syllables) is followed by a quatrain of four syllable lines and ends with a three line envoi - with an 8-4-6 syllable count. Credit the quote to its writer in your author notes.

Quote written by Christine McVie (Fleetwood Mac)

This is one of my favourite songs of all time. If you have the time, play the music video and give your ears a treat :)


Chapter 5
Angel Eyes

By Debra White



Little Pug,
what did you do?
Dig a hole
or chew my shoe?
I can tell
something's askew -
Why can't I be cross with you?!


 

Author Notes Those eyes.... he could get away with anything!

Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

A Whitney is a seven line poem with a syllable count of 3/4/3/4/3/4/7 respectively.

Image courtesy of Google.


Chapter 6
Moley Smoke

By Debra White



Within the midst of swirling smoke
a manic mole appeared.
He blinked a bit, he looked around,
it all was rather weird.

But stranger still, he spoke to me,
with furry paws aloft;
"I've gone and burnt my bloody toast!"
And then, he coughed and coughed.


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 7
Wishes-in-Waiting

By Debra White



clusters of fluffy
parachutes
     prepare for release


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 8
Disengagement

By Debra White


ev'rybody owns a piece of me
I'm drained by such dependency
it's not reciprocated
unappreciated
is all I've become
daring to dream
I break free
to be

mine

 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 9
Tattle Tableau

By Debra White



Girls on a railing
having a natter.
Gossip prevailing,
frivolous chatter,
undue regaling;
secrets ascatter.


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Thank you to Dovey, for introducing me to this form: The Tableau, a poetry form created by Emily Romano in October of 2008, consists of one or more verses, each having six lines. Each line should have five beats. There is no set rhyme scheme, although rhyme may be present. The title should contain the word tableau.

Tableau definition (tate.org.uk) - A painting or photograph in which characters are arranged for picturesque or dramatic effect and appear absorbed and completely unaware of the existence of the viewer.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 10
Just Curious

By Debra White



Nosy
Nefertiti,
such a little sweetie
when so inclined... but mostly, just
nosy!


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

The cinquain form (Poetry Dances)

Line 1: Two syllables
Line 2: Four syllables
Line 3: Six syllables
Line 4: Eight syllables
Line 5: Two syllables

Nefertiti - Egyptian origin, meaning 'the beautiful one has arrived.'

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 11
Mucky No More

By Debra White



A filthy old greyhound named Jean
sincerely did
hate to be clean.
But her owners, with
love,
in the shower did shove
her and scrubbed her 'til she was pristine.


 

Author Notes Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 12
Too Trendy

By Debra White



Co-ordinated, we all sport
the same striped, snazzy suits
in black and white, we're streaky sleek -
We even matched our boots.

We're razzling, dazzling trendsetters,
so snappy, swank, on point.
You're lucky that you've got us here -
we're too posh for this joint!


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Image courtesy of Google.


Chapter 13
At Blue Hour's End

By Debra White




At break of day, mine eyes prepare to feast
on fiery orb that's stirring in the east.
At blue hour's end; Magnificence released!

In vibrant hues of
amber, red and gold,
the rising of the sun grows never old.



 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Blue hour - The time of day when the sun has just set or is about to rise, when the sky overhead takes on a deep blue colour, and when the landscape is suffused with bluish light. (earth sky.org)

Thank you to Gloria, for introducing me to the Sonnetino form -The sonnetino, created by FanStory's lightink is a mini sonnet using iambic metre with a tercet and rhyme scheme of aaa and a concluding couplet with a bb rhyme scheme.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 14
Lightbulb Moment

By Debra White



a moment's repose
all thought currently on hold
     - nary a flicker


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Repose - a disposition free from stress or emotion / freedom from activity (work or strain or responsibility) / the absence of mental stress or anxiety (rhymezone.com)

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 15
The Last Descent

By Debra White


I had a little accident;
My slinky bust.
Its coils are really rather bent
and won't adjust.
It used to saunter down the stair,
but now it's broke, beyond repair -
I'd thought that it was more robust.
My slinky bust.


I sent it on its last descent
with forceful thrust.
I wasn't careful, down it went
then bit the dust.
A tangled mess, a sorry sight,
my nifty spring was not alright,
I'm more than just a tad nonplussed.
My slinky bust.



 

Author Notes Over the years, my children had numerous slinkies. They are a very cool, yet flimsy toy, which - each and every one of them 'broke' within days of buying them... maybe my children were just heavy handed!



Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Thank you to Kimbob (FatherFlaps), for introducing me to the Octogram form -
The Octogram was invented by Fanstory member, Sally Yocom.
2 stanzas of 8 lines. The syllable counts should be: 8-4-8-4-888-4; 8-4-8-4-888-4
Each line must be written in iambic meter. The rhyme scheme for the first stanza:
aBabccbB and for the second stanza: ababddbB, where the capital B's denote repeated lines, word for word.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 16
Undulations

By Debra White



pebbles on the shore
dry in wake of tide's retreat
anticipating
your invigorating touch
languishing upon my skin


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 17
Tethered

By Debra White



empty boats
tied to the shallows
fantasize
of travels afar -
clouds ripple-scud by


 

Author Notes Many thanks to Gloria, for introducing me to the Lunatika form - Invented by FanStory's Sunnilicious, it was derived from combining Haiku, Lune and Tanka theories. Lunatika is considered American Poetry. The writing format is 3/5/3/5/5, which totals 21-syllables. It can be rhymed or unrhymed. The verse can be repeated into a suite. Lunatika is considered narrative poetry.

Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.


ripple-scud - a completely made up word to describe the reflected clouds.

ripple - a small wave or series of waves on the surface of water, especially as caused by a slight breeze or an object dropping into it.

scud - move fast in a straight line because or as if driven by the wind.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 18
Feast

By Debra White



The watchful king sits on his throne
alone, he's keeping guard
whilst pride gnaw flesh and bone.
His fearsome roar, a calling card

to send hyenas on their way.
Today's fare; wildebeest -
its carcass on display.
His Majesty enjoyed the feast.


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Thank you to Dolly (Dolly'sPoems) for introducing me to her Octahex form.
Written in iambic meter, it has four lines with a syllable count of 8,6,6,8. It consists of a single or multiple stanzas with a rhyme scheme as follows:

x x x x x x x a
x a x x x b
x x x x x a
x x x x x x x b

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 19
Uh-Oh!

By Debra White



Eight balloons
have lifted me
off my feet,
I'm flying free.
This is not
my kind of trip -
Strings are slipping from my grip!


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Thank you to juliaSjames, for reminding me of the Whitney form earlier today... I just had to! ;)

Whitney - a seven line poem with a syllable count of 3/4/3/4/3/4/7 respectively.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 20
Pipe Dreaming

By Debra White



A budding detective, named Anna,
aspired to become top banana,
'though she wasn't the type
to be smoking a pipe -
She'd much rather puff a Havana


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

I thought that the girl in the photo had an air of Sherlock Holmes about her, the fictional, pipe smoking detective, from the imagination of Arthur Conan Doyle.

Pipe Dream - A fantastic, but vain hope of something.

Top Banana - the most important person in an organisation, group or activity.

Havana - A most excellent cigar.

Not that I have a great interest in cigars (LOL) but here follows some information from cigars.co.uk

One country insists that all its handmade cigars are made exclusively using tobaccos grown within its territory. It is the country that founded the handmade cigar industry nearly two centuries ago and towers above all others for the prestige of its products. The country is Cuba and its products are known throughout the world as Habanos (Havana cigars in the UK). To earn the title of 'Havana cigar' it must be made by hand in Cuba using only leaves grown in one of the four designated tobacco regions on the island. It must also be produced to the exacting standards laid down by the Cuban cigar industry. At its heart, what sets a Havana apart from all others is the actual tobacco and it's taste. Other places may have acquired Cuban skills and even Cuban seeds, but never the natural gifts of the Cuban soil and the Cuban climate. These you will find nowhere else. The term 'Habanos' is a registered denomination of origin, reserved for the iconic Cuban brands that meet these strict guidelines. A Havana cigar is recognised throughout the world as a benchmark of excellence.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 21
Lips

By Debra White



The softest brush against the skin,
     strikes the smallest spark within...


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 22
Bench Tableau

By Debra White



Perfectly pictured -
Peaceful alliance.
Alone together.
Comf'table silence.
Undisturbed moment,
shared in compliance.


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Thank you to Dovey, for introducing me to this form: The Tableau, a poetry form created by Emily Romano in October of 2008, consists of one or more verses, each having six lines. Each line should have five beats. There is no set rhyme scheme, although rhyme may be present. The title should contain the word tableau.

Tableau definition (tate.org.uk) - A painting or photograph in which characters are arranged for picturesque or dramatic effect and appear absorbed and completely unaware of the existence of the viewer.

Alliance - A connection based on kinship or marriage or common interest.
Compliance - Happy friendly agreement.


Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 23
A Question of Courage

By Debra White



Shaky
first steps
to traverse alone -
Do I have the heart to head
towards the unknown?


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Having the heart - to have the necessary will (collinsdictionary.com)

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 24
This Boy

By Debra White



His eyes are closed
beneath the hair.
He plays guitar
like no one's there.

Each waking hour
this boy devotes
to strumming strings
and weaving notes

that wail and soar.
His repertoire
is unrestrained.
He plays guitar.

He bends and slides,
he picks and strums
and when he's done?
He plays the drums.




 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

This poem is dedicated to my 16 year old son, Ben, who is a fantastic musician.

bend/slide/pick/strum - different methods of playing the guitar.

Image courtesy of Google

* Thank you to Gloria and Roy Owen for spotting that I was a stanza short ;)


Chapter 25
Love You, Bud

By Debra White



in sync
we conduct our budding friendship -
bromance blossoms


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

In Sync - To work well together, to be in agreement, or to match well with something or someone else (dictionary.cambridge.org)

Bromance - A close, friendly, but not sexual relationship between two males (dictionary.cambridge.org)

I have written this senryu in short long short form with syllable count 2/8/4

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 26
Pickled Planets

By Debra White



I have a mini universe
suspended in a pickle jar
of vinegar - it's quite immersed.
I have a mini universe.
Just take a look, it's in my purse -
I'll trade it for a candy bar!
I have a mini universe
suspended in a pickle jar. 


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 27
Keeping Time

By Debra White



horologist takes
timekeeping seriously - 
collector of clocks


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

Horology refers mainly to the study of mechanical time-keeping devices.
People interested in horology are called horologists. That term is used both by people who deal professionally with timekeeping apparatus (watchmakers, clockmakers), as well as aficionados and scholars of horology.
Horology and horologists have numerous organizations, both professional associations and more scholarly societies. The largest horological membership organisation globally is the NAWCC, the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, which is USA based, but also has local chapters elsewhere. (Wikipedia)

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 28
Unwavering

By Debra White



Wind
ruffles
chiffon skirts.
Gauzy layers,
uninhibited,
freely flap and flutter.

Unfaltering, she stands firm
in the face of the building storm.
Absolutely resolute. This time
she will stand her ground. Enough is enough.


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

The poetry form, Etheree, consists of 10 lines of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 syllables. Etheree can also be reversed and written 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. (Shadow Poetry)

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 29
Indecision

By Debra White



Black?
Or white?
Can't decide
which colour's right.
So...


 

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

A lanturne poem has 5 lines with a syllable count of 1-2-3-4-1. The Lanturne poem is always centered.

Image courtesy of Google


Chapter 30
Just Like The Panda

By Debra White



All done and dusted -
     NaPoWriMo, completed!


Your encouragement 
     has kept me motivated.

I want you to know
     you are appreciated.


Just like the panda,
     I give to you, heartfelt thanks.



Thank you to every single person who has read and reviewed my poetry during this month of NaPoWriMo :) xx

Author Notes Ekphrastic poetry - A description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.

JIYU-SHI is a Japanese freestyle poetry introduced to American poetry between 1912 to 1926. The only rule is to write in 5/7 stanzas, you can write as many stanzas as you like.

Image courtesy of Google


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