Maureen Thorson’s NaPoWriMo prompt today calls for “a Spanish form called a 'glosa' — literally a poem that glosses, or explains, or in some way responds to another poem. ” Robert Lee Brewer’s Poem-a-Day suggestion: “For today's prompt, write a smell poem.” Today, however, I'm "going rogue" (as my poet friend Thomas Alan Holmes calls getting off the prompts). Not feeling the love from either of these prompts. Instead, I am writing about a sculpture on the University of Northern Iowa campus: Balanced/Unbalanced Beaks by Fletcher Benton (1993). Here's a pic I snapped recently of this striking masterpiece. The sculpture is 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide, weighing in at 3,500 pounds, and costing $76,000 in 1993 when it was installed (according to the university archives). I have wanted to write about this sculpture since I started working at UNI, just a couple of years after it arrived on campus. The poetic form I am using today is the curtal sonnet, invented by Gerard Manley Hopkins — 3/4 of a sonnet in length and structure. Conspiracy Theories Here are some more of my photos of the Benton sculpture. I'm always struck by the strident color of this sculpture as well as the fascinating perspectives you get walking around it. It's infinitely entertaining and mysterious. Friends, won’t you comment, please? Love to know what you’re thinking. Thanks! Ingat, everyone. ヅ |
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8 comments:
You rebel you! I like this ekphrastic poem - great description.
P.S. I did write a glosa, and tied it in with my own ongoing poetry project.
A very compelling descriptive poem of you philosophising on the Balanced /Unbalanced Beaks . Great take on the prompts Vince Gotera, you followed your inspiration, the spark that makes, without it breaks and withers. ☺
Mr. Whiteamin, thanks. But I didn't follow either prompt today!
I love sculptures like that! And your poem is certainly 'taking it slant'!
What does that sculpture sound like when it's windy?
Alan, it whispers sweet nothings until you turn your back.
Kim, sorry I missed your comment. Yes, I love them too. Particularly when they're both representational and abstract, like the Picasso monkey in Chicago. Thanks!
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