Friday Writings #120: A Touch of Formality

 

Hello, dear Wordsmiths, and happy writing to you! I'd like to take us somewhere a little different today.

I have had the notion that, since we widened our scope to include storytellers as well as poets, we couldn't offer any form prompts, but only subjects. Easy enough to suggest poetic forms, in all their rich proliferation – but how can one ask for a particular form of prose in only 369 words? OK, very short stories would work, but that about exhausts the possibilities. Things like plays, essays and articles need longer development.

Then I bethought me that all our regular participants are both poets and prose writers; I don’t think there’s anyone who writes only prose. In fact, poetry predominates. Indeed, many of us do employ various poetic forms when following the subject prompts.

And then I also realised that there are three forms which combine poetry and prose: the prose poem, the haibun, and tanka prose.

So, for this week’s prompt, I invite you to use one of those three to write on any subject you like.

Guidelines:

As always,  the prompt is optional. You may use it or ignore it as you wish – or you might choose to write on formality, as your subject, rather than in a particular form.

Another option you're welcome to take, if it appeals to you, would be to use either or both of the images below – both quite formal, in different ways – for inspiration.

Word limit: 369 (excluding title and BRIEF notes).

Link ONE post per person on Mister Linky: the particular post, not your whole blog.

If you can, enjoy what other people share this time, and leave an encouraging comment – not forgetting to return for those who post later in  the week.

Next week, Magaly will invite us to write poetry or prose inspired by the following quote: “Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.” ~ Stanislaw Jerzy Lec

 

Two different approaches to form in digital art:
1. Amanda  2. Bang a Gong   © Phillip Barker 2016
(Used with permission; please do not reproduce or re-use –
except on your blog, with due accreditation, if you decide
to use either both as inspiration.)