Saturday, August 11, 2012

Prompt #113 – Where the Journey Takes You


Have you ever thought about all the journeys we make during our lives? A journey is typically defined as an act of traveling from one place to another. There are, however, different kinds of journeys: physical journeys in which we move from one geography to another, emotional journeys in which we experience feelings and learn how to deal with them, and spiritual journeys in which we travel interiorly toward a better understanding of ourselves and higher consciousness. Many journeys involve more than simple “traveling” or “wandering” – such journeys involve a quest or search, some kind of exploration.  This is summer, and summer is traditionally the time for traveling and journeying. So … let’s think about journeys we’ve taken and write “journey poems.” Travel inward, let your poems take you where they want you to go!

Example Poems:


Suggestions:

1. Write a poem about your favorite vacation (travel, journey). Where did you go? Why was that vacation special?

2. Have you ever experienced wanderlust? If so, write a poem about the journeys to which your wanderlust has led you.

3. Has a particular relationship seemed like a journey to you? In what ways was that relationship an emotional journey? Write a poem about it, or write about the person with whom you “traveled.”

4. Are there other kinds of emotional journeys that you’ve experienced? Choose one and write a poem about it. Friendship journeys? Parent/child journeys? Romantic journeys?

5. Have you ever thought about the inner journey in which you seek yourself or higher consciousness? Write a poem about your inner journey.

6. How is life a journey? Write a poem about this, but watch out for clichés!

7. Where are you headed in your life right now? What’s the journey like? Write a poem about it.

8. Write a poem about a fantasy journey – a journey of another kind.


And just in case you need a little jump start, here’s some “traveling music." Click the arrow, close your eyes, and think about journeying before you start writing.




14 comments:

  1. WOW! This is a great thought-provoker. I think the interior journeys are everso difficult to translate into written language; the geographic journeys (actual topographies, etc.) are less so. Thanks for the challenge!

    Jamie

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    1. Thanks, Jamie! Glad you like it! I agree that interior journeys are more challenging to translate into written language.

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  2. Interesting idea - definitely a thought "provoker." Nice touch with the music too. There's always so much depth in your prompts!

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    1. Thanks for your comment, George, and your kind words are much appreciated!

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  3. Here is my attempt. Follow link. All the best.

    http://thelintinmypocket.wordpress.com/2012/08/12/hot-tea-musty-books-and-soft-rain/

    S. Thomas Summers
    Author of Private Hercules McGraw: Poems of the American Civil War

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    1. Hi Scott! Love the poem, and thanks so much for sharing it! It's really nice to hear from you - we got great feedback on your reading at the Carriage House.

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  4. Thanks, Adele. And thanks for having Dave and me at th Carriage House. Hope to see you soon.

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    1. My pleasure, Scott -- it was a great evening of wonderful poems and sharing.

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  5. I wrote about the journey to and with my husband - we took a rather long and convoluted route, meeting when I was 17 and marrying when I was 40. I do love your prompts. Thank you!

    http://hoofprintsinmygarden.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/our-journey/

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    1. Beautiful, Annette! What a special journey, and what a wonderful gift this poem is to give your husband. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

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  6. While the idea of life as a journey may seem a bit cliche, it's something everyone can relate to, and taking a fresh view of it in a poem is an interesting challenge! Thank you again for offering so much to your readers, Adele!

    Máire Ó Cathail (Ireland)

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    1. Always a fresh look, new language, a different perspective! Thanks for your comment -- it's always great to hear from you, Maire!

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  7. Under the light of a full moon
    my imagination rode on the whistle of the train
    Stars ignited my desire
    to break free of the confines that held me to
    ancestors
    birth place
    nationality
    religion
    Only the warming rays of a tropical sun
    and sandy Florida beaches
    eased my heart enough
    to make a home

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    1. Great opening image -- imagination riding the train whistle! The journey to be free of old "baggage" isn't an easy one. I'm glad to read that you journeyed to a home in which you find peace!

      Thanks so much for sharing, Risa!

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