Summary

The web content is a poetic reflection on the concept of distraction as a source of inspiration and creativity, accompanied by a photograph and an audio recording.

Abstract

The website presents a poem titled "Distraction," which explores the interplay between distraction and creative inspiration. The author, Erika Burkhalter, describes a sensory-rich scene of nature's activity, from the hum of bees to the rustling of pines, as a backdrop to the poet's quest for the muse. Instead of resisting the lure of the natural world, the poet embraces these distractions as the birthplace of poetry, suggesting that true creative immersion comes from engaging with the environment. The poem is complemented by a photograph capturing the essence of the mustard fields and an embedded SoundCloud audio track, enriching the reader's experience with multimedia elements. The site also provides links to related articles and writings, inviting readers to explore more works that celebrate the beauty of nature and the joy of writing.

Opinions

The author views distractions not as hindrances but as catalysts for creativity and poetic expression.
Nature's sounds and sights are portrayed as essential elements that fuel the poet's imagination and writing process.
The poem suggests that the act of writing is deeply connected to the natural world, with the muse found in its sensory details.
The use of multimedia, including a photograph and an audio recording, enhances the poem's themes and provides a more immersive experience for the reader.
The poem implies that the state of being distracted can lead to a state of flow, where the poet feels free and deeply connected to the creative process.

Poetry

Distraction

Lit Up — April’s Prompt: Distraction

I can see it from here, the low slant of the sun’s fingers, grasping the glimmer of the frenzied activity of a million tiny wings inhabiting the haze above the mustard fields.

And I can also hear the bees, their collective hum hovering, rounding, ebbing, and sounding again, filling the absence of silence with their energy.

In my mind’s eye, I can see the dust clinging to my feet as I climb amidst the stubbled rise of eucalyptus trees hugging the spine of the hill, until I crest into an arching blue so deep that you could almost fall into it, if you allowed yourself to turn your face towards the vault of heaven.

Distraction.

I poise, pen in hand, my mind meandering the trail, waiting for the muse to whisper in my ear.

But all that I can hear is the sigh of the pines, dancing in the soft breath of spring, and the hummers screeching and diving, fighting for a nectary treat.

The world sings, rings, a cacophony of energy, a brewing stew of creativity.

I can’t resist her call.

Because, after all, isn’t that what a poem is about?

Distraction?

Or immersion?

Aren’t the words born there, in the soft belly of the earth? And in the pebbled rain against your cheeks? And the scream of the breeze whistling hard through the pines?

Free. I am free.

My feet are flying now through the mustard fields sprung taller than me. I’m immersed in the buzzing, humming glory of nature’s symphony.

For that is where she’s waited so patiently, the muse, her words trilling, thrilling, coursing through my veins, pouring ecstasy into my very being.

Distraction.

I’ll take it any day in which the muse decides it’s time to come out and play.

Poetry

Distraction

Lit Up — April’s Prompt: Distraction

Lit Up — April’s Writing Prompt

What can bring us more happiness than a new writing prompt?

Ephemeral

Riding the tails of the solar flare

Blazing Tulips, Kumquat Vodka, a New Mountain Bike and Mr. Squirrel

A week in photos

Riding Like a Banshee

A moment in the mustard fields