embroidery of the night;
soaking through the
somnolent surface of the lake
and your eyes.
Stars never become obsolete,
though die they must.
But I believe they
go on singing
a diamond-song
in our souls.
And those who mourn
the holes left in the sky
can find what they seek
by knowing me, by
knowing you.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The inspiration for this poem came to me in an interesting form: desperation.
I've been babysitting my next door neighbour twice a week for the past two months; I'm done now and am beyond relieved since I'm not fond of babysitting. He's an easy kid to babysit, thank goodness, but he has an annoying habit of watching my least favourite cartoons repeatedly. One afternoon while watching an inane cartoon, I could feel my IQ slowly dwindling; I knew I had to do something... and fast. I pulled out my phone, opened a new text and, with little thought beforehand, wrote this poem. I attribute the fact I used several big words to an attempt at deflecting the stupidity blaring from the television. I'd say that's the best use I've ever gotten out of my phone! (I just don't have that inseparable bond with my phone that most of my generation has.)
This poem gave me hope that I still have some inspiration rattling around inside somewhere, and who knows what will trigger it!
In other news, it's almost November! Is anyone participating in National November Writing Month (AKA NaNoWriMo)? I've been planning to do it ever since I found out about it too late last year, but sadly, it's not to be... Not this year, at least.
First of all, I'm already working with serious intent on this novel, and secondly, I've been asked by a family friend to write a script combining Louisa May Alcott's book Eight Cousins and its sequel Rose in Bloom. I was completely gobsmacked when she asked. Such a thing never crossed my mind! I had to consider it a while before giving an answer; but I admit, I knew all along I would say yes.
So far, I've only been re-reading the books, writing notes, and also struggling with the fear it will turn out horribly. I've been in enough plays over the years to know a lot about scripts. But writing one? Scary!
Still, this is my first real comission and if it turns out well, I will not only get paid for it, but also, in all likelihood, get to see it performed! (This family friend has directed several plays as a part of the theater organization I'm a part of.)
I want to start actually writing it soon, and since I'm already working on my novel, spending the month of November writing an entirely new work seems like a bad idea. As much as I want to do it, I know it could only end with me pulling my hair out. (And I rather love my hair, so you can see why this would be tragic. :P)
Next year, though! Next year!
{Painting is 'Sisters of the Fertile Moon' by Cyn McCurry.}
That poem is just exquisite dearest. I too am not in the majority who are connected to their phones as if it is another limb. The poor thing sits up in the corner of my desk for the most part, only to be used on the rare occasion. It is wonderful to hear of all your amazing and exciting endeavours, I know you will do just wonderfully with all you pursue!
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Your poem is absolutely stunning. I love the sibilance. I'm taking part in NaNo! I am equally nervous and excited; almost sick with anticipation. It would be wonderful if you were taking part, but ah well. Best of luck with your script and novel. (Ps, I don't use my phone much, either.)
ReplyDeleteWow, congratulations my dear young playwright? :D That's quite exciting.
ReplyDeleteYour poem is just fantastic, so rythmic and with such lovely metaphors. And you see I was right that your muse would return someday, somehow (I can say "I told you so" without being obnoxious if it's something we're both happy about, right?)
I think I shall try NaNoWriMo...
I'm afraid my accidental question mark made that first sentence seem a tad facetious. Let me correct myself: "Wow, congratulations my dear young playwright!"
ReplyDeleteJhordyn Ashley: Thank you, darling. That sounds like the fate of my phone. Actually, I usually stick mine somewhere and then can't find it. My mother knows where it is more often than I do! Thank you for your unfailing faith in me. <3
ReplyDeleteThea: I know, I really wish I were participating too. *sigh* I am looking forward to hear of everyone else's experiences, though! Thank you for all your kinds words.
(And it is always refreshing to find another such person!)
Jenica: Hehe, thanks! And I was wondering whether that question mark was intentional! ;)
Oh, thank you so much! Haha, yes, I think in these instances one can say "I told you so" and the other person will be so happy they won't care. :P
Oh, do! Do!
The poem is absolutely gorgeous! It's funny how inspiration comes in the strangest of places and situations. You never quite know when when it strikes and the words start flowing. That's actually the only reason I try to carry my phone with me all time. Though when I go to somewhere further away than my neighborhood I have to take my phone with me for two reasons: 1. I need to know what time it is. 2. If something happens I can always call my parents. But other from all that I don't even need a phone. I often forget about it and lose it all time. :D And me answering a call is a miracle because it's always muted.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, good luck on the script! You're really brave! I mean, when someone asks me to do something I always end up saying no 'cause my doubts get the best of me. My friend is having a concert in February and he actually asked me to not only come see it but to take photos of it! I'm freaking out! I'm so not going to do it for even the thought of it kills me! I'm such a coward but what you do. :D
!!! I love your poem! May I ask what inane cartoon you were forced to watch? I still love cartoons - I think growing up loving them has been one of the sole reasons my brain is as twisted as it is (yay! I can't thank cartoons enough).
ReplyDeleteI like some of the new ones, like Flapjack, Chowder, and Adventure Time, but nothing beats all the 80's and 90' cartoons that were the real influences. I'm happy to say that, a few months ago, I found season one of both Hey Arnold! and Rocko's Modern Life. And I do frequently play my collection of Courage the Cowardly Dog to get my weird on (haha!). So since you were totally cool with that one post I made about ABC gum, I'm curious to know what you deemed to be so bad (There are a lot of bad ones out there. For sure).
Anyway, total digression. I think I've said this before, but I'd love to read the novel you're working it. The little parts you've posted on your blog sound so wonderful :) Congrats on the script! If it does get performed, you'll have to have someone record it so we can all watch your genius :)
I'll be doing NaNo this year! I wasn't, at first, but I saw that Figment.com was making a big deal about it... which resulted in me feeling excited and challenged (I love a good writing challenge... even against my better judgment). I know I won't make 50k since November is the worst month in grad school land, but it'll be nice to have something written and a new story to play around with.
I've posted the first few chapters of my NaNo project called "Olivia" on Figment. It plays with the old fairy tale called "Diamonds and Toads" - I'm really excited about it :)
What a beautiful poem; when I read it, it seemed as though it were glowing and glittering, much like the moon and stars. <3
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your first real commission! I just know your play will be lovely.
Jessica Alena: Thank you so much, dear! It is, indeed; keeps life tantalizing, I say! Oh, yes - I always take my phone when leaving the house (except family activities, of course). But, I don't really go that many places by myself which is why I misplace it so often. Mine is muted too. XD
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you! I'm really not brave at all. In fact, sometimes I think I'm too afraid to say 'no' (which doesn't really apply in this situation, by the way...heh). Oh, I would be apprehensive to say yes to that as well! But I hope you re-consider your decision; it sounds like it could be initially frightening, but altogether a great experience. Sometimes, we've just got to squelch our inner (or outer!) cowards. Over the years there have been a few things I've done despite initial reluctance, and they've turned out to be some of my favourite experiences. Admittedly, it's usually other people that have to pull me over the roadblock known as my cowardice.
Anyway, even if you don't do it, you should seriously consider doing the next thing you don't feel brave enough to do. :)
CloudyKim: Thank you so much! Oh, haha... it was SpongeBob SquarePants. I actually don't mind it that much, and obviously, some episodes are better than others. What really made me go insane was his tendecy to watch the same episode over and over again. Once, he watched the same episode four times in one afternoon. I'm a pretty tolerant person, but by the end of the fourth time I was like, "Okay! Let's go outside now!"
I'd rather watch SpongeBob than many other cartoons, but not so much in one dose, please! Anything can seem especially horrid when repeated too much. And week after week... it just weighs on you. Otherwise, I'm pretty cool with watching most cartoons! I admit, I've only heard of a couple of the cartoons you've mentioned and I think I've only watched one years ago. But yay for being twisted from childhood! ;)
I just might let you read part of it sometime! I'm not ready to post any on my blog but to one person, especially one whose opinion I trust? I think I may be ready to take that leap of faith! And leap it would be, since no one has ever read any of it. You may be remembering part of my other novel which I did post an excerpt from. I've had to put that one on hold for a while since it was getting too autobiographical, but now I've figured out where to go with it now and am planning on working on it when I get the time. Thank you! Not sure about the "genius" part, but I'll see what I can do. ;)
Oh, YAY! I'm so happy you're doing it; I love your stories. Haha, what is it about a good challenge that gets the adrenaline pumping? I will definitely be heading over to figment to read it. :)
Lumina: Oh, thank you ever so much, sweetheart. That is lovely. <3
Aww, thanks! I hope you're right. :)
I think I went to this post earlier but was unable to comment. The poem is stunning, Melee! (And it sounded even better when I reread it today while eating my favorite cookie ☻)
ReplyDeleteHmm. My phone is always beside me, you know how i love exchanging messages with boyfriend (hehe!). Aside from that, I have a Word Doc Application in my cellphone which is I find very helpful especially when thoughts come rushing in in the middle of the night or in a middle of a trip.
And also, good luck for the script writing! You don't need to worry about anything. I'm sure it will end up perfectly.
You take care, sweet lady!
it sucks being stuck with watching tv, especially rubbish tv that you don't like! at least it got you to write some lovely poetry.
ReplyDeleteoh i cannot wait for your novel to be done! i would definitely pay good money for it :) and the script for the louisa may alcott's books sounds like an amazing idea, i've never read them before but i really want to find out about them now! i'm sure you'll do an outstanding job at it :)
i love your hair also, so that could be a crazy idea to go all out at once hehe :P but good luck with it all! i know it'll be so good :)
haze: Good cookies make everything better, haha. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteWell, if I had a boyfriend who texted I would definitely be more attached to my phone too, hehe! As it is, my best friend doesn't even text, so there you go. That app does sound extremely helpful!
Thank you. <3 You take care too, sweet moon-nymph!
gypsy: It does! If I'm going to watch TV it has to be something good or else I feel like my time has been majorly wasted.
Aww, you are too sweet! Even if it's never published, I'll certainly let you read it. (If I can get it finished, that is. Ergh...)
Those two books aren't my favourite of Louisa May Alcott's, but they're still good. She's been a favourite author of mine for a long time.
Hehe. =D Thank you for all your wonderful encouragement. <3
Oh~ dear, your poem. Simply stunning.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will do great. Your words are as lovely as your heart.
All my love. xx
Lovely Lili - thank you so much for visiting and leaving such sweet words behind. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't ever have time for NaNoWriMo :( I really should attempt that sometime.
ReplyDeleteLovely poem, dear. The picture complimented it wonderfully.
xxx
That does always seem to be what it comes down to: it's such a time commitment. I'm sure you'll get the time some year! Even if you have to wait till you're 60. (They say those are the best years, right?)
ReplyDeleteThank you, darling Ever. I was rather happy when I found that picture. :)
You've always wrote the most beautiful words :) thank you for welcoming me back to the blogging world, it's so nice to be here again, reading your words! I've missed you too!
ReplyDeleteI am doing nanowrimo this year! I did it last year & won, so I'm hoping to repeat that this year - it really is an amazing thing to do, I do hope you get round to doing it one year. I've no doubt you'd sail through :) xx
Awww, thank you, Holly! It is so good to hear from you again. <3
ReplyDeleteOoh, yay! I hope you win again this year. I can't wait to try my hand at it. :)
dear Melee, thank you! you don't know how much your note means to me. and the thought that someone out there is thinking about me gives my heart pure joy. i love you too. xx
ReplyDeleteOh, haze - I am so glad my little note meant so much to you. And everything I said then still goes for today. <3
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