Poetry Challenge #119-Rainbow Logic
I have been in 3 different cities, in 3 different time zones over the past 3 days and in each it has rained. To quote Brooks Benton:
“Feels like it’s raining all over the world.”
Consider the climate—weather and otherwise—what I/we need now, is some Kate, and some Leo* and... Iridescence!
I just learned (thanks to my beloved Merriam-Webster) that the word “iridescence” come from Iris.
“Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow, took messages from Mount Olympus to earth, and from gods to mortals or other gods, using the rainbow as her stairway. “
Thus, Iridescence is “the glowing, shifting, colorful quality of a rainbow, also seen in an opal, a light oil slick, a butterfly wing, or the mother-of-pearl that lines an oyster shell.”
Which brings us back to the one thing I have not seen over the past 3 days, in any of the 3 different cities across 3 different time zones.
Poetry Challenge #119
Rainbow Logic
If we can’t find a rainbow arching across the sky right now, we’ll have to create our own. Here goes:
1. Write the word “Light” or “Rainbow” vertically down the length of a page.
2. For each letter, write a related word or idea beginning with that letter extending out horizontally.
3. Take a few moments to refine your poem. Try adding or changing some words to add interest, rhythm or rhyme to your poem.
4. Select your favorite word or image to be the title of your poem.
Set your timer for 7 minutes
Don’t think about it too much; just do it!
Start writing!
And, for a real treat, check out Patricia Maclachlan’s brilliante picture book biography of Henri Matisse. A tidbit of trivia: it came about when her editor/publisher Neal Porter asked her what she was working on she said, (and I am paraphrasing) a little something I love but I don’t think anyone will ever publish. His response . . .
*If you know the movie I’m riffing of here, send word, you’ll receive a prize!
Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge many rainbows ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. (This one is Cindy’s.) If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge, let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.