In A State

Summary

The web content is a prose poem post from June 30, 2021, inviting writers to explore the theme of madness centered around an object, using a guitar as an example.

Abstract

The post titled "In A State" features a prose poem that delves into the theme of madness through the metaphor of a guitar. The author reflects on the disconnection from the instrument, once familiar, now almost forgotten, and touches on the complexity of emotions and the struggle with inner turmoil. The prompt challenges writers to select an object and craft a piece that reveals a previously unexplored fixation or situation, encouraging them to channel the essence of madness without necessarily confirming insanity. The post concludes with a list of names, likely fellow writers or contributors who are associated with the prompt or the platform.

Opinions

The author seems to have a personal history with guitars, which is now distant and somewhat disjointed.
There is a sense of nostalgia and loss in the author's relationship with the guitar, possibly reflecting a broader theme of disconnection from one's past passions.
The author suggests that the state of harmony is elusive, hinting at a struggle to find balance and coherence in life.
The mention of "wounded strings" and the caution against being in the way of a snapped string suggest a metaphorical representation of the risks and vulnerabilities in confronting one's inner demons.
The prompt implies that the author has a fascination with the concept of madness, drawing a parallel to Salvador Dali's complex relationship with the perception of his own sanity.
The call to action for writers to focus on an object and weave a narrative around it indicates the author's belief in the power of creative writing to uncover and articulate deep-seated emotions and obsessions.

30 June 2021 Wednesday Prose Poem: pretend you’re mad

What I know about guitars could fill one case — or not even the order of strings, anymore — I did know that at one time — maybe I’d know if I ever plucked it from its universe of Sedona sunrise felt — where no one plays, or does anymore — Remember when my friend Chr — covered old guitar body no neck with canvas to shrine the mother for a time — there was a blue, a chiaroscuro that added grams and grams and —

States of harmony — that sort of thing — haven’t been easy to find, nothing lying around where I can see — wounded strings, though I don’t know how they even tell where one end is snipped off — only know for sure for sure you don’t want eyes in way of that if snapped — before you snap — I know the pills did something but I thought it was long ago —

Trying ignore the faces of the edges of the pain — they don’t look good instruments — you know — fucking swearing away there like there’s nobody else around — when getting to the stage takes more cults and crutches than you can ordinarily take with you in a backpack —

Prompt:

Once again, I must beg your pardon for poor organization. I’ll accept however many wrists slaps you feel I deserve. Hmm. For today’s prompt, I want to see some madness. Oh, you know it’s one of my favourite subjects (well, instances of it); if I talk about it much longer will everyone start to remember Dali and his many, many protestations that he wasn’t, in fact, mad? Ahem. I haven’t denied anything…yet. Actually, this will sort of be like the “infatuation” prompt, only this time I want you to focus on an object. I want you to single out a noun (i.e., guitar) and reflect on just that one thing, make it weave a situation, a fixation you never really brought to light before. Tag me in it, and rock on!!