Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Weekly Scribblings #36: “a phoenix first must burn”

How do you react when you make small mistakes? Do you scream? Do you sigh? Do you kick something while laughing hysterically? Sometimes, my reaction to committing error on the first-degree involves all of the above… all at once. But not today. This morning—I guess that it’ll be yesterday morning by the time you read this—when I noticed that last Sunday, we (and by “we” I mean “me”) announced the wrong Weekly Scribblings topic, I just nodded at the universe.

You see, today’s prompt was supposed to be about metaphors gone wild. But it seems that I had some of Octavia Butler’s words dancing around my skull, so a bit from one of her quotes leaked into our prompt; either that, or my subconscious took the opportunity to remind me not to lose it—things have been extra tough lately. And when the whole world seems to be on fire, I think most of us try to find ways to make sense of the madness. The thought that every now and again, things must get horrid before they get cool, makes a lot of sense to me—and gives me hope, too.

So, my dear poets and storytellers, for today’s prompt, I invite you to birth new poetry or prose inspired by the phrase “a phoenix first must burn”. Go literally or figuratively. The choice is always yours. If you choose to go with prose, please let your count be 369 words or fewer. One entry per participant. Mr. Linky will remain open for a week.

Let’s write. Let’s read. Let’s share thoughts.



While searching for a fiery background to display Octavia Butler’s quote: “In order to rise from its own ashes, a Phoenix first must burn”, I ran into this cover. I haven’t read the anthology yet, but I fell in total love with the title, the cover, and the premise, the moment I saw the book.

12 comments:

  1. Everything’s pretty jumbled up in my poem, despite prunings and attempts to rewrite. I think I must have somehow, subliminally, got the message about metaphors gone wild.

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    1. It seems the subliminal messages goblins are working extra hard these days.

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  2. Have a creative Wednesday and stay safe everyone. Thanky you Magaly for this mythical one

    (✿◠‿◠)
    much love

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  3. *goes to her library's website and requests book*

    I'll look forward to the metaphors one when you're ready to host it :D

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    1. I read the first story and liked it. It was differently bittersweet.

      And the metaphors prompt will probably be my next Scribblings, since it was supposed to go up today. So, you won't have to wait too long. ;-)

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  4. Good Morning.
    Really at the moment it really isnt good and will not be for a while. Troubles abound, Racism and Coronavirus 19 consume. After previewing Octavia's 16 story compilation I was going to write of a prospective Black father-in-law'a admonition to the fellow to read book, A Phoenix first must burn," before he gives his daughter in marriage. But this morning the heart of my muse was saying, "got to tell my own 'ode' to the ashes" story. Viva Los Angeles.
    ..

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    1. Troubling times, indeed... the best times to listen to the muse.

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  5. Hello, hope everyone has had a lovely summer. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things after a bit of a break. As my avatar indicates, I am a fan of the phoenix so a good time to start again.

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    1. Summer has been... interesting, lol! But at least we've had a lot to write about, and that's always good in my book. I am so glad the prompt called on your ink--your words have been missed.

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  6. Sorry I went all serious on this challenge. I am at the moment consumed with worry about my daughter and family near the raging fires in Oregon. I know all my friends here will join me in sending prayers for safety and resolution.

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    1. You aren't alone, Bev. I will keep your family (and my in-laws, who are in the area) in my thoughts.

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