I’m popping in here with an extra post today to share some happy news. As of this morning, I am a published poet! 🎉
It all started with a poetry form I’d never heard of: ekphrasis, or ekphrastic poetry.
I was in a writing class and the professor introduced us to this form which is poetry inspired by a work of art. Funny word, cool idea. I mean, you already know I am excessively fond of poetry prompts. Looking at gorgeous works of art until something speaks to you is a pretty great prompt, not to mention a fun thing to do. And the painting upon which this poem is based definitely spoke to me - in a voice I did not expect. I was admiring Winslow Homer’s Looking Out To Sea and she just popped into my head, this salty, sassy voice.
When looking for opportunities to submit my work for publication last summer I found The Ekphrastic Review, a treasure chest of works of art and the writing they inspire. Careful, you can lose a whole afternoon there. I certainly have. I was so honored when I heard the editors had chosen my piece to be published.
I hope you’ll visit The Ekphrastic Review and read my poem, Not Looking Out To Sea (No Matter What Winslow Homer Says). Maybe leave a comment? And don’t miss looking around at all the other amazing writing on the site.
And (you knew this was coming) you could peruse some art today and maybe find inspiration for your own ekphrasis. At the very least, maybe you learned a new word today.
Happy Sunday, Everyone. Thanks for reading.
A new term to me. Although I’m not a poet, I’m an art yenta who matches poems with paintings and then writes about the two in conversation. This exercise inspires me to think more deeply about both.
Cheers to publishing! And that poem is hilarious - thanks for the chuckle and teaching me a new word today 😂