Prose Poem: Archways

Archways

Archways are charming places when it’s raining. Umbrellas are out and this

shows direction. Looking into its space it’s hanging, a shape heavy above

with melody. It leads to sweet singing, a stage of learning and it’s not

disappointing when a ticket is entry. Returning, there is semblance where

shadows are darker and there is no dust and no dirt within. Stones are

arranged in splendour, stone on stone and cheaper and not shown by marks

or by wetting. A statue is looking into this place and seeing a statue means relief,

it does, it certainly does not cause frustration. Through the archway there are

courtyards, a line of life and stairways to an amusing side, a little dog holding

a cup to a tuneful accordion. An archway will take you to all this and coffee,

and short orders, waiters and cooks.

MY WORK ON THESE PROSE POEMS

It's amazing the amount of writing you get done while away from home. I have really enjoyed Portugal (although only partially seen), but as a writer-in-residence I have been able to lock myself away from life's distractions, haven't had to do housework and therefore there is this intense concentration on your work. I have finished editing my asbestos novel, have ideas for a fourth and have enjoyed writing several prose poems inspired by the environment, landscape and objects around me in Lobao da Beira, in Tondela, and in Coimbra - a Medieval town.

The prose poetry (I feel) is taking a new course. In the past I have written about my life, etc. and I felt it was time to move on to something more challenging -  prose poetry that doesn't get bogged down with figurative language ie. metaphor and simile, but works to subvert the image. I'm inspired by Gertrude Stein whose poem Tender Buttons describes things and objects in an artistic way, a little sklent, often leaning to the obscure, yet her intention was to challenge the reader to make meaning for themselves. I like this idea, and I am currently working on a collection titled "Random" - using objects and things sometimes overlooked, sometimes not interesting enough to be worthy, yet these inanimate objects can create "art" and imbibe different ways of using language. 

The images I'm currently using from Portugal have been a different and interesting landscape from my own country, Australia. I guess mainly it's because one is out in the world and this brings new experiences and challenges. I am really enjoying creating this new form.