One of the nicest things about NaPoWriMo, apart from maintaining the discipline required to craft an entirely new poem every day (as opposed to just tinker about with old ones, as is sometimes a pleasant distraction) is the fact that slowly but surely, every day, I get a couple of new people subscribing to this site, or people from all over the world who I’ve never met, liking poems I’ve written.
Under the tab <Stats>, there is a wonderful map which shows the countries of the world where people live who have viewed these pages. (Admittedly it’s a fraction less than 200 views, but that’s 200 more than a week ago, so I’m pretty chuffed!) Thanks to the fact I have hits from Canada, the US & Australia I have been viewed from countries which together occupy around a third of the world’s land mass! If only I get Russia onboard, I’d be halfway to global domination. (Spain & Colombia help too!)
But I am digressing a little again (unusual). The plus side to people viewing my work, is I’m seeing wonderful work by other poets, writers, bloggers & artists. Today’s poem is inspired by the artwork of one of those folks who’s like several of my contributions.
M. Funk is an artist / photographer who works in France & Germany. I followed their link to discover a site full of gorgeous photographs. Of particular beauty & interest to me were 4 images on a page called Le Carrousel.
I immediately had an idea for a poem but didn’t start writing it till today, when I received permission to use the image as a launch pad for a poetic response. I’m curious to know whether my interpretation reflects their intention behind the photos. And any other readers thoughts/impressions as well…
vicious circle
warm lit with fairy lights, everywhere mirrored
gilt with gold
gaudy with glossy colour
the stuff of childhood dreams
wild magic circles
callously caging a fantastical menagerie
raging horses, zebras, unicorns,
griffins, dragons, giraffes,
cherubs, nymphs, mermaids, dolphins
& more …
yet look closer
every creature caught on edge
seconds before stampede breaks out
nostrils flared, heads raised
eternal rigor mortis
bit back, mouth grimacing
perpetual rictus on frozen faces
glass eyes of horror
knowing they’ll be forever
circling
… round & round & round …
… & round & round & round …
… & round & round & round …
*****
Image: M. Funk http://mfunkart.eu/?p=1225
FOOTNOTE: If you like what you’ve read, feel free to subscribe, comment below, or share this page with your friends. I have only had this blog running a few days (Day 1 of NaPoWriMo 2013 doesn’t really count), but it’s been lovely getting notified of folks liking, adding & visiting the site.
gareth roi poet boi 