One continual joy in my life is the monthly Writers Circle at my local library. The group grows and changes, yet is always full of talented, enjoyable people. A frequent activity for us is to do a writing exercise, often with a prompt of some kind. This month, we are writing from a picture, prior to our meeting, and then presenting our creations to each other.
After staring at this picture for long moments, and mulling it over, I came up with what follows. The inspiration was two fold for me. I was first inspired by the feeling I was infused with by the photo. The second was the personal connection that feeling brought forth. Here is the result. I hope you find something personal here, that it is touching and not saddening.
Lonely Beach
By Kimberly L. McClune
September 7, 2013
Looking out across the gleaming waters
Eyes squinting, hearts pinching
We walked together and yet separate.
Neither the rush of waves nor the glaring sun
Could penetrate our joint solitude.
The cry of a distant gull hung in the air
Unanswered
Just like the longing so ardent in our souls.
Would we ever?
No
Never.
Holding tears behind our eyes
Unwilling to show the pain
Unable to share the depth of feeling
We strode along the water’s edge.
The actual writing prompt was to write a paragraph or poem based on the photo. I didn't really care which I wrote, I simply wrote what came to me. In fact, my first scribblings were almost the makings of a paragraph, but I found that what came of this exercise wasn't a little story, rather, it was expressing the emotion that this photo inspired inside me. My feelings often come in the form of a poem rather than stories.
You may find the same thing as you write, that emotions are expressed in a certain form and that anecdotes and experiences take another. Perhaps they take the same form for you. Regardless, I find that I miss writing very much and look forward to making much more time for it in the coming weeks. I believe that you cannot become accomplished at anything unless you DO IT, and do it a lot.
Writing prompts are a good way to practice your craft. You can find ideas on the internet with simple searches or challenge yourself or a friend. You could select a photo, make up a title, or choose a subject for a simple paragraph or four stanza poem. These exercises can become the basis for a new piece or just stay as an exercise. Your writing is just that, YOURS! No one else should tell you exactly what words to write or you are no longer the writer.
Well, I've to get back to writing, etc. Take care and enjoy the day.
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