Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Weekly Scribblings #78: Micro-writings

I enjoy micro-poetry and micro-storytelling. I understand that not everyone feels this way.  Once (or twice *cough*), I heard a writer say that a haiku is “too vague to say anything real” and that “micro-stories are a sign of laziness brought on by social media”. After I finished rolling my eyes and glaring (yes, at the same time, I can be quite skilled when I combine disbelief and disdain) I reminded the writer of the famous 6-word story, attributed to Hemingway:

“For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

I’ve read that micro-story hundreds of times, and it still breaks my heart. I don’t know of anyone who can read this without feeling the loss. The whole story is there. In six words.

And I don’t even know what to say about the ridiculous idea of haiku being “too vague” to show reality. That is a heap of nonsense. How could anyone read Bashō and think haiku negatively ambiguous? Seriously, can you read the following two translations of this Bashō haiku and believe the imagery “too vague” to speak clearly of what’s left after war? Anyone who can read this without feeling its vast power has my deepest condolences.

“summer grasses--
all that remains
of warriors’ dreams”

 “waves of summer grass:
all that remains of soldiers’
impossible dreams”

Today, my dear poets and storytellers, I invite you to take your muse into world of Micro-writing. As always, you can write poetry or prose. If choosing poetry, you can write a haiku, a senryū, an American sentence, a tanka, or an elfchen. If going for prose, then the genre is your choice, but the word count must be exactly 69 words.

Please, only one poem or prose piece per participant.

I suspect most of us (all right, me) might never be able to produce masterpieces like those quoted, but I’m quite certain that most of us can birth a splendid piece of micro-writing.

This prompt will stay open for one week. We welcome new prose or poetry, or old pieces that have been significantly rewritten. One link per participant, as always. But unlike our usual Weekly Scribblings, this particular prompt limits poetry contributions to the forms offered above (haiku, senryū, American sentence, tanka, or elfchen) and prose contributions to exactly 69 words. I know I’m repeating myself, but I just really want to see what wonders we produce with a rather limited number of words.

Let’s write succinctly. And comment at length.

22 comments:

  1. I adore playing with micro-poetry, so was all set to give you an example of each form suggested – until you said you wanted ONE piece per person. I hope you like the one I decided on. I might serve the others up some Sunday, instead! Many thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. I'm looking forward to reading your choice for today, and then the ones you saved for the Pantry!

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    2. For some strange reason, I cannot comment on your American Sentence (which is great) but I can comment here. Hmmm How aggravating.

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  2. Like you, I cannot imagine writing using one or two forms ~~~ let me at ‘em ~ every one!! Good for the brain. Happy Scribbling Day!

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    1. I love all the forms, too. They are such fun, I think, and can be wonderfully challenging. I'm excited to see which one you choose for today.

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  3. I had several as well! I expect we'll see everyone's others on a Writers' Pantry day!

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    1. I ended up writing several too. 😁 Makes me wonder if the next Writers' Pantry will look like an extension of this Weekly Scribblings!

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  4. It was hard to choose, but I'd never done an elchen, so that's where I went ... and I'm still in the wondrous haze of seeing family members after a long hiatus, so family had to be the focus!

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    1. Your elfchen made me smile. I love hearing that people are able to get together again!

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  5. Happy Wednesday everyone

    (✿◠‿◠)

    much love...

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    1. Hi Gillena. I've remove the link you added. The prompt calls for a single poem, just one, and the post you linked had several stanzas. Maybe you could save it for the Pantry.

      I hope you are well.

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  6. For unknown reason, I was unable to comment on the work of Rosemary, Rommy, Jim and Rall. I get the "Woops" annoying message. Sorry. I tried!

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    1. That really blows. I would recommend using a different browser or clearing your cookies/cache. But you probably already did that.

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  7. O dear i will edit and relink

    Much💜love

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    1. Oh! That explains why my comment refers to something gone. I was confused!

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  8. Micro is my very favorite. I’m excited to read.

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  9. Update --- Today, I tried the comments again and they went through. Somebody's been eating my soup......

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    1. Blogger comment system works in mysterious (and often annoying) ways!

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  10. I love short writes, micro-poetry and all things small. I'm sorry I haven't been around in so long. I've missed sharing here.

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Please be respectful of all the people on this site, as each individual writer is entitled to their own opinion, style, and path to creativity.