In Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass (the sequel to Alice in Wonderland), Alice goes through a looking glass into a world that is identifiable but strangely “sideways.” Has there ever been a time in your life when you metaphorically went “through a looking glass” to find your world askew? In what ways has your “looking glass” been a source of revelation?
This week, let’s think about “looking glass” reflections of ourselves – the past, and what we see when we look into reflectors of any kind. The poem this week will be a kind of reflection on your reflection. As you write, be sure to focus on content, imagery, and a strong emotional center. Engage your readers with language, meaning, and opportunities for them to identify with you through your poem.
Here are a few “reflection” options for you to explore.
1. Write about a time in your life when you metaphorically went “through a looking glass” to find your world “turned around.”
2. Write a poem in which you use the term looking glass either literally or symbolically.
3. Write a poem about what you see when you look into your mirror. (Look deeply … who and what do you see? Do you see something in your own eyes that others may see? Do you see a reflection of your mother or father in your own face? Do you see eyes that hide or express emotion?)
4. Write a poem about seeing your own reflection in someone else’s eyes.
5. Write a poem about seeing your reflection in a lake or pond or in a window (house, store, car, train, computer screen). Where are you? What are the circumstances of your being in that place? What do you see when you look at your reflection? You may choose to start with the present scene (looking at your reflection) and then go back to the past; bring the poem full circle with a return to the present.
6. Write a poem about someone else who looks into his or her mirror and sees a reflection of you. What does the person see?
7. Write a complete fantasy about a mirror, a looking glass, a reflection of yourself, or a reflection of someone else. How about writing a fantasy dream to parallel Alice’s experience in Through the Looking Glass?
8. Write a poem in which you look into a mirror and see the past or the future. Look at your younger or older self and create a monologue or dialogue.
Sample Poems:
And ... by way of further inspiration ... Through the Looking Glass music. Enjoy!
I am impressed with your site, and I love poetry.
ReplyDeleteHave you read the actual book called "The Looking Glass What Do you See? by JD Bundun on Amazon.com
Some amazing stories!
Thanks, Anonymous! So glad you're enjoying the blog.
ReplyDeleteI've not read The Looking Glass What Do you See? by Bundun, but thanks for letting me know about it. I'll check it out!
Haunted
ReplyDeleteSomething moves
Within these walls,
Something,
Here,
Now,
With me,
In this room.
I fear this sorrow,
This dark, thick melancholy,
Singing ragged and out of tune,
Stuck,
Obsessed,
Familiar.
Something moves
Within,
Something,
Here,
Now,
A face in the mirror
That knows me,
That is not mine.
Thanks so much for sharing your poem, Russ! I'm especially impressed by the spare wording and the strong mood you've evoked. I hope you'll share again!
DeleteGreat poem, Russ, that creates an aura of mystery - a puzzling sense of something unexplained or unknown that invites curiosity and speculation. The image in your mirror made me think of a masked guest at a party.
DeleteThanks, Russ, for posting your poem. Adele's right - a really strong mood and a great sense of the mysterious. Hope you'll post more for us to read.
DeleteJamie
Another great prompt, Adele! This one REALLY sparks introspection; and you've given us so many options for writing. Thank you, as always!
ReplyDeleteJamie
Thanks, Jamie! Your comments are always much appreciated!
DeleteThanks for your comment, Bob's Mustangs!
ReplyDeleteThanks to all for your generous comments on "Haunted." I too have been one acquainted with the night.
ReplyDelete