Sunday, May 9, 2010

Poetry Bus - Poe's Cottage


So this week P Nolan was the able driver of the bus, and he challenged us to select a picture at Random from the archives, and write a poem about it - here's P's blog - where no doubt he'll soon be linking to all the treats that this prompt yeilds - the archives of photos were fascinating, and if I ever need inspiration again I'll probably be hopping back there again.



Caught by a Raven


All you are now
is an old photograph
soiled, and spoiled
each cold look you got
each half fond handle
another swipe
another scandal
tightened
another little fine of you
that bit clearer
till shined up, foiled at
the scribbled centre - lightened
lets me through, to see you
still frightened - after all these years

18 comments:

Batteson.Ind said...

Found this really deep to read... I think I know what it's about.. but then reading again.. it changes. Like old photos I'd guess.. they could be taken for so many reasons.. loverly stuff!

Karen said...

Wonderful connection to the photo, but this could stand on its own very well. I agree with the watercats - intriguing!

Padhraig Nolan said...

I'm struggling with 'Another little fine of you', but love the open air of this poem - the sense of a clear voice speaking enigmatically.

Thanks for bussing :-)

Niamh B said...

Thanks Watercats, glad you enjoyed, that's very true on the fascination of speculating on reasons for these photos.
And thank you Karen, the photos were great weren't they?
Thank you very much P, I can see where you're coming from on the fine - appreciate the comment!

The Bug said...

I like how I can feel the fear & futility - great poem!

Niamh B said...

Thanks Bug!

Dr. Jeanne Iris said...

Oh, I love the way you speak of the gaze at this photo, while that old house seems to be looking at us all in horror. Very EAP!

Argent said...

"still frightened - after all these years" - nice ending to a very engimatic poem.

Titus said...

I really like this. Yes, it is enigmatic but there is a clarity and sureness of tone that gives the poem it's power. And a wonderful response to the photograph that combines its history with its present physical reality.

And I love Poe too, so that helped!

With you on the photograph archive - what a treasure-trove!

Enchanted Oak said...

I felt proud of you for writing this poem. When I finished my first reading of it, I stepped away into the kitchen for some crackers and dip (I'm starving), and I thought, I'm proud you for this poem. I loved the rhymes, the use of the photo's imperfections, the personification of the house itself. Still frightened...the ending was perfect.

Niamh B said...

Thanks Jeanne! took me a second to figure out what you meant by EAP! Duh!
Thanks Argent - glad you liked.
Thanks Titus, very kind of you. Yes Poe is brilliant.
Thanks Oak, glad you had crackers and dip on hand. Glad you enjoyed the poem.

Colm Keegan said...

is it a fine like a tariff? If so I like it!

Niamh B said...

Well it's not Uisce - but hopefully you still like - all is being revealed on today's blogpost shortly :-)

Pure Fiction said...

Ooooh - that last line packs a punch. Even more so now I know what fines actually means.
Loved your enigmatic story :)

Niamh B said...

Thanks Pure Fic! you're very kind

Lorenzo — Alchemist's Pillow said...

This is a pearl of a poem, Niamh. It has so many internal rhymes that make it a pleasure to read out loud again and again, the meaning seemingly chaning each time (as also noted by watercats)

Niamh B said...

Thanks Lorenzo, most kind. :-)

Totalfeckineejit said...

Enigmatic it do be and a little bit spooky. I like the fine line.