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Can it be February already?
Oh, my! Thank goodness for Laura hosting today's Poetry Friday roundup.
This first Friday of February, the Inklings are sharing a poem writing challenge from Catherine at Reading to the Core.
My poem and collage:
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| Poem & collage by Linda Mitchell '23 |
Flow is Wolf Spelled Backwards
My pen is a wolf
all heat
heart
power and scruff
breaking from the trees
loping along the fence
gathering speed
in the moonlight.
Paws punctuate snow
without breaking ground
leading the pack
to a scent just ahead
just ahead
just ahead
The end of a line
a turn of page
hunger,
exhaustion
cannot break this
flow.
(c) Linda Mitchell '23
Flow:
A cognitive state is where one is completely immersed in an activity. It involves intense focus, creative engagement, and the loss of awareness of time and self. An artist in the course of flow, persists in their task relentlessly, regardless of hunger or fatigue.
To see how more Inkling friends took on this challenge visit:
Reflections on the Teche
There's also a new poem on Word's padlet:
Love the rhythm of this, Linda. You make me feel the loping along of the wolf, then as your metaphor brings the 'flow', that utter immersion, it seems the way it is! I've often felt this, and not only in writing, but in early running (jogging) and when out riding my horse. I love the art you've added, too, the wolf pic, the W & F pages with the pertinent words. Great prompt! FYI - I gave that book to several people for Christmas. It's wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYour flow/wolf poem captures the essence of this state of mind perfectly, Linda. "just ahead, just ahead..." Add that to your collage...wow! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the flow of creativity when I’m on to something that captures my attention completely. The wolf/ flow connection in your poem is a clever discovery.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it exciting when flow happens, doggedly (or should I say "wolfedly") chasing a fresh scent? Your metaphor is spot on -- love it!
ReplyDeleteAgain, I'm in love with all the facets of this poem--the starting turnabout of the word, the image, the motion and muscularity, the aptness of the metaphor. Brava, baby!
ReplyDeletePaws punctuate snow - love! xo
ReplyDeleteLinda, your collage glows in graytones as your wolf turns into a pen. Flow is a constant state when we are in the zone. I, too, love the line-"Paws punctuate snow". There is such strength and movement in this poem.Well done.
ReplyDeleteThe clever word reversal and the eventual linking up of these words are so cleverly woven into your poem, Linda. I loved it. Only this week I saw a joke on Facebook- 'I received an email telling how to read MAPS backwards- It was SPAM.' Your poem is far more cerabral. I am stirred and shaken and will have to explore this creative spark you have set off, for myself. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteWow! Your poem is so visceral, Linda. I love it!
ReplyDeleteWhoa, I had never considered that Flow spelled wolf. The paws on the snow was my favorite. And the collage is stunning.
ReplyDeleteYou brought the wolf to life, Linda - GREAT metaphor (wolf-to-pen) in bringing a poem to life through your pen. I really liked the repetition of just ahead - like knowing the end is near.
ReplyDeleteFlow and wolf, what fun this connection, and your poem and art are flowing together into one wonderful piece, love the textures you created. I have "How to Love the World" it's been waiting for me to read it, and I think it's calling me tonight, thanks Linda!
ReplyDeleteWow! The metaphor in your poem is so masterfully crafted! The poem was amazing enough the first time I read it, but now coupled with your collage art it's stunning! You knocked this one out of the park, Linda. Alpha poem!
ReplyDeleteAmazing, Linda!
ReplyDeleteLove this! I love thinking about the scruff of the pen. Nice!
ReplyDeleteWow, this might be one of my most favorite poems of yours ever! Love the wolf/flow analogy/extended metaphor. "Paws punctuate snow . . . " Beautiful collage too! ~ Jama
ReplyDeleteYour collage really adds to this fabulous poem. Your art is as amazing as your writing!
ReplyDeleteOh my, how you combined the poem with art...swoon!
ReplyDeleteI love that image of the wolf loping to get to the next word and next page
ReplyDeleteWell, this is perfect. And these words and images I won't forget! (I wrote a book on wolves many moons ago, and have always loved them so. Even worked with some for four years at a small zoo.) Thank you, Linda - for sharing your amazing poem and art! This palette is so understated and beautiful. Arrrrooooooooo!
ReplyDeleteI love the many ways you play with the words flow and wolf here! And your poem has both the wolf's power and the energy of genuine flow. Go, Linda! :D
ReplyDeleteWell, I cannot say I even knew before now that wolf and flow were so connected. That -- this whole thing is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteLinda, this collage and poem take my breath away! I love the layers, and the section of the poem that is "all heat heart power and scruff."
ReplyDelete