I came across this excellent bit from Keats, describing an encounter with Coleridge: I walked with him a(t) his alderman-after-dinner pace for near two miles I suppose. In those two miles he broached a thousand things—let me see if I can give you a list—Nightingales, Poetry—on Poetical Sensation—Metaphysics—Different genera and species of Dreams—Nightmare—a dream accompanied by a sense of touch—single and double touch—A dream related—First and second consciousness—the difference explained between will and Volition—so m(an)y metaphysicians from a want of smoking the second consciousness—Monsters—the Kraken—Mermaids—Southey believes in them—Southey's belief too much diluted—A Ghost story—Good morning—I heard his voice as he came towards me—I heard it as he moved away—I heard it all the interval—if it may be called so." Source: Johnson, E.D.H., ed., The Poetry of the Earth, Antheneum, New York, 1974, p. 95. A writing prompt:
Keats’ memory of an encounter reads like a list poem. Create a different encounter between other people. The tone of the encounter would likely change—what happens if the meeting is not so harmonious, or interminable? Consider collaborating. Arrange a walk or meeting with someone, perhaps another writer (or two walks, exchanging roles in each one). From this basic prompt, one could change other parameters—for example how would such an exchange look if it was more abstract, less a memoir-narrative? How would it look as a visual poem? Comments are closed.
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Susan ParrCorrespondences, incidentals, hypotheticals, visuals. I also hike. Archives
June 2023
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