by Nathan Moore
What is going on in this photo? Why is the figure staring at a three-legged chair? Why is the figure wearing a hood? What is keeping the chair from falling down?
This image appeals to me because of its enigmatic nature. In terms of writing, you might want to stay with the questions the scene elicits, linger over them, hesitate before rushing to an answer.
Or, as is often the case when faced with an enigma, you might start to symbolize. Is this is picture about facing a problem, contemplating mystery, the incomplete and frail work of human labor in the face of nature’s grandeur?
Offer ideas about what you see here in the comments section of this post. Next Thursday, leave a link to what you wrote in the comments section of the Get Your Poem On post.
(Note: If you include this photo in your post along with your poem, make sure you credit the artist.)
Nathan Moore is community director and columnist for Read Write Poem. In his spare time, he plays with his children and with fire. Never at the same time. He blogs at Exhaust Fumes and French Fries.
Incredible image, Nathan. Thanks for finding it, for the suggested enigma prompt.
Nathan replied:
January 22nd, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Thanks Deb.
Perhaps shooting too fast and commenting in the wrong place? But this definitely had me inspired: Somewhere near Teec Nos Pos
Deb Scott replied:
January 24th, 2010 at 10:10 am
A little fast on the link, but we are glad you’re inspired!
Come back Thursday and leave your link in the Get Your Poem On post that will be up just after midnight.
This looks like the dump near my house, where I have also gotten some unique photos. Its amazing what you can find out there.
I was in a relationship once where my whatever-the-heck-he-was declared I was like a three-legged-chair, so naturally this image scrapes at that weary scab… bleeding again isn’t bad, it reminds me…. it reminds me.
Nathan replied:
January 22nd, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Didn’t mean to bring up old wounds, Julie.
juliejordanscott replied:
January 25th, 2010 at 10:44 am
It is perfect, Nathan. Means I am in a better place to write now, perspective and time. I re-read a poemlette I wrote immediately after that particular moment in time after seeing this prompt. It is poignant but almost one dimensional, not even two. I look forward to bringing more texture and life to this experience.
I have been using photo prompts on my Creative TMI site for quite a while now, and find it helps me in my writing/though process. Some good, some better, I do a Muse Monday if anyone is interested…
Like the idea/usuage of enigma, as opposed to my plain sight/obvious writing…
Interesting prompt it should be fun. Thanks Nanthan
Nathan replied:
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Thank you for participating, Pamela.
I see worship here. The hood reminds me of a modern monk — the three legs could represent the Trinity.
The questions I want to address are about what is going through his head — the prayers, the frustrations, the desires, the depths.
I really love this image and look forward to writing on it. There is so much possibility here.
I was going to have a rest from humour this week and perhaps show my serious deep and emotionally sensitive sturm und drang angst side but when presented with a photo like this called ‘mood disorder’…too tempting! Too dreadful always turns into too funny with me!
Nathan replied:
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I love it when the dreadful becomes funny.
A Prose Poem. This enigmatic photo says to me, “Write a surreal prose poem with a great first few words and with at least one metaphor.” Can I do what it tells me to? I can only try.
Nathan replied:
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I can’t wait to read what you come up with Therese.
Presently reading Terry Tempest Williams “Finding Beauty in a Broken World”. Within the thousand thousand possibilities, this does rightly relate to this fascinating image you’ve given us Nathan.
As I struggled so much last week, this prompt fell right into my lap. Already done, and thanks!
Nathan replied:
January 24th, 2010 at 10:33 am
You’re welcome, Neil.
this is a great photo with tons of possibilities for poem….make a great painting also. thanks Nathan
Nathan replied:
January 24th, 2010 at 10:34 am
Glad you like it, Wayne.
Hi
I’ve got a whole page covered with words, phrases. bits of lines, even a metaphor or 2.
But the real struggle will come when I try to read my handwriting & try to remember what I was thinking about.
Nathan replied:
January 24th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Sounds like a great page. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
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I never know what is going on or where to post
my poem
Melanie
Deb Scott replied:
January 27th, 2010 at 11:16 am
Hi Melanie,
The Prompts are posted on Fridays and on the following Thursday we post a “Get Your Poem On” post, and that post is where you leave a link to your poem. Or if you don’t have a blog you can leave the poem in the comments itself, in the Thursday Get Your Poem On post.
Hope this helps.
This inspired me to write something I have not done before, Sci-fi short story and poems…
[...] I have missed participating in the weekly Read Write Prompts. This week it was an image prompt (here). I posted my response here at “i am maureen.” Go here to the Get Your Poem On post to [...]
[...] is a response to Read Write Poem prompt #111, a picture of a guy kneeling in front of an empty three-legged chair. It’s a remarkable [...]
I know I am ridiculously late with this, but it couldn’t be helped. When I saw this amazing photograph, I knew I had to do something for it. Thank you so much for finding and posting it, Nathan. I’m grateful I got something drafted.
http://shemakespoems.blogspot.com/2010/01/elegy-for-three-legged-chair.html