Weekly Scribblings #18: Art (and turmoil, it seems) Begets Art

Greetings, inkers of lived words. I hope everyone is doing as well as they can. Things around my bit of New York City have been quiet. Well, except at 7 in the evening, when most New Yorkers follow in the steps of Spain, Italy and the U.K., and explode in cheers for the heroes risking the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. I didn’t always join the expressive shouts of support (I might’ve thought them to be a tad silly, even annoying). Then, the other day, I saw an EMT team step out of their ambulance and take a quick bow. The smiles on their faces were... splendorous. Since that day, I have screamed (even whistled) as loudy and exuberantly as all the rest (while remembering those warm smiles).

I guess, some good things have sprouted out of these horrible times. One of them is inspiration to create all sorts of reactive, rebellious, informative, therapeutic… arts (not that we would know a thing about that *cough*). Keeping in mind the thought that Art Begets Art, for our 18^th Weekly Scribblings, I invite you to birth new poetry or prose inspired by Pandemic Street Art from around the world.

For inspiration, I’m offering these pieces borrowed from Atlas Obscura and a rather provocative bit of advice from the NYC Health Department. But please, feel free to surf for something different, if none of the offerings speak to you (do let us know/see which piece(s) inspired your contribution. And if you choose to create prose, let your word count be 369 words or fewer).

Add the direct link to your contribution to Mr. Linky. This prompt will remain open for a week. Visit other poets and storytellers. See what their muses birthed out of other muses’ children. Let them know what their inked-offspring make you feel.

As always, stay safe (and healthily creative).