We often hear the phrase “go green” in reference to environmental concerns and how we can take action through buying habits, behaviors, and lifestyles to reduce the size of our carbon footprints.
Green has long been associated with the natural world, but it also has other associations and symbolic meanings. It is linked with life and abundance, St. Patrick and Ireland, the newness of spring, and the fullness of summer. Green is often connected to tranquility and denotes balance, harmony, and stability. Considered the most restful color, many believe that green offers a sense of renewal while alleviating depression and anxiety. In the United States, it's the color of money and the traffic signal color for "go." Olive green is also known as olive drab with military associations. On the flip side, green is linked to inexperience (the color of unripe fruit), jealousy (the green-eyed monster) and looking/feeling ill or frightened (green around the gills).
With all of this in mind, I thought it would be interesting to use green as the inspiration word for this week’s prompt. Accordingly, your poems might be environmentally driven or they may simply use the color green as their “muse.”
Here are some interesting examples (including a “green sonnet” by Petrarch)
Now it's your turn … Go Green!
Missing witnesses
ReplyDeletecommon in criminal trials---
most named Mr. Green.
Thanks for posting your poem, Madeleine! (Senryu)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful prompt! Art and environment (and anything else that "greens"). And what a lovely poem by Madeleine Begun Kane. Poem sharing here is always a joy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, as always, Adele,
Jamie
Really a diamond the translation of sonetto 8 by Petrarch ( but the name Petrarch makes me think about something like a little truck, or a luxury car...after Hummer now Petrarch!).
ReplyDeletePetrarca is so sweet and gentle: Chiare, fresche et dolci acque...
Hi Jago,
ReplyDeleteAlways great to hear from you! Thanks so much for your comment!
Jamie,
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like this one! Your support of this blog is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your comment.
Great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bob!
ReplyDeleteI remember a "green" poem of yours from years ago: a blank sheet of paper with the word "oasis" in the center. Can't recall the journal that published it, but I know I have a copy of it here in one of the bookcases.
With a last name like "Kenny, " I know you cast a thought to Ireland when you wrote this prompt! Seriously, your creativity is grand!
ReplyDeleteMáire Ó Cathail (Ireland)
Thanks so much, Maire! And, yes, I think of Ireland whenever I think "green." :-)
ReplyDelete