avatarMarilyn Flower

Summary

The web content presents a poetic reflection on the nature of truth and honesty, alongside a creative writing challenge using specific words, and introduces the work of writer Marilyn Flower.

Abstract

The website features a thought-provoking poem titled "Goddamn Honesty," which delves into the complex relationship between truth and the human experience. It questions the purpose of dwelling on the past and acknowledges the inevitability of life's cycle from birth to death. The poem suggests a preference for obscurity over the discomforting light of honesty. Additionally, the site offers a poetry writing exercise, inviting readers to incorporate fifteen selected words into a poem, which originated from an IdeaStream by Xavier Van Holde. The challenge is linked to a piece called "Rainy Days," reflecting on the weather in Portland, Oregon. The content also highlights the work of Marilyn Flower, a writer known for her political humor, satire, and contributions to the prison newsletter "Freedom Anywhere." Her experience in clowning and improvisation is mentioned as a source of strength in challenging times.

Opinions

  • The author of the poem expresses a reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths, referring to honesty as a disruptive force.
  • There is an implied critique of society's tendency to avoid deep introspection, preferring to "skim the surface" instead.
  • The inclusion of the poetry challenge suggests a value placed on creativity and wordplay within the community.
  • The mention of Marilyn Flower's work indicates a respect for diverse forms of writing and a recognition of her contributions to both literary and social causes.
  • The reference to "Rainy Days" implies a connection between the environment and creative inspiration, particularly the influence of weather on writing.

Goddamn Honesty

AKA When truth lies hidden in the shadows.

Photo by Lucas van Oort on Unsplash

shady shadows cast across dreams that never last, why look into our pasts at all? a child is born, a man or woman dies, life comes as no surprise to our open eyes. maybe I’m just a surface skimmer, wanting lights dimmer, but something keeps illuminating what I’d rather not see — dang blasted goddamn honesty.

Poetry Salvage + Bonus

Use these 15 words in a poem.

  • shade
  • cast
  • dreams
  • last
  • child
  • born
  • man
  • dies
  • life
  • surprises
  • illumination
  • dims
  • honesty
  • skims
  • surface

This fifteen-word prompt poem gestated in this Xavier Van Holde IdeaStream called Rainy Days — something we need more of here in the Bay Area:

Marilyn Flower writes political humor and satire to delight socially and spiritually conscious folks. She’s a regular columnist for the prison newsletter, Freedom Anywhere, where she writes about faith and prayer. Five of her short plays have been produced in San Francisco. Clowning and improvisation strengthen her resolve during these crazy times.

Poetry
Ideastream
The Bad Influence
Light
Honesty
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