Wednesday 22 November 2017

A Group Poem: Inspiration and Process


We were thrilled when this group poem evolved from our shared writing at November's Time to Write at The Hummingbird Studio, in Brighton

Poem:

The impact of the oar in water.
I like this space it feels light, airy and welcoming.
Running through the undergrowth
lolling in the long grass
brings back so many memories of my childhood years

Causing ripples that last forever.

I notice the small figure in the valley 
where the steep sides of the hills rise up,
not dancing but in limbo.
In limbo, aware there's great anxiety 
but still that sense of freedom

One instant, one moment

a pivotal point.
I wonder what the humming bird might say to me?
All your dreams and ambitions - 
so much to be valued and prized.

We can't unmeet.

Through naked outstretched arms 
of trees, we see the distant hills. 
Beneath our feet, the squelch of mud and water.
Standing behind a waterfall
a sense of awe and wonder. 

Process: 

It began with each member of the group writing freely for about half an hour from one objects and paintings in the studio

From their writing each person selected four lines. They numbered the lines from one to four. 

We shared back in turn our first lines then each in turn our second lines, then third and fourth to create the poem above. 

Here's an example of the lines one participant chose from their writing:


The impact of the oar in water.
Causing ripples that last forever.
One instant, one moment
a pivotal point.
We can't unmeet.