avatarWilliam J Spirdione

Summary

The web content is a personal reflection on the enduring impact of photography through the years, as seen in the author's own experience with Polaroid and Kodak cameras and the joy of capturing memories that last a lifetime.

Abstract

The website features a poetry prompt, Lucky #7, which includes a poem titled "Photos Following Me Through All These Years." This poem, written in ottava rima, explores the author's lifelong love affair with photography, starting from the first camera owned, a Polaroid, to the EK4 by Kodak. The author reminisces about the vivid colors and the sensory experiences tied to the captured images, which have been safely kept for decades. The article also acknowledges the inspiration drawn from other writers, such as Sharing Randomly and Annelise Lords, and expresses gratitude towards Dr. Gabriella Korosi and the editing team for fostering a supportive writing community at Dancing Elephant Press.

Opinions

  • The author has a deep affection for photography, viewing it as a lifelong passion that captures not just images but thoughts and moments in time.
  • There is a sense of nostalgia and joy in revisiting old photographs, which the author believes contain a part of oneself and evoke strong memories.
  • The author values the tangible nature of instant film photographs, considering their potential loss a "senseless crime," and emphasizes the importance of preserving these physical memories.
  • The act of saving and revisiting photographs is seen as a personal choice, not dictated by others, and is a source of gladness for the author.
  • The author suggests that certain memories and experiences from the past, specifically the 1970s in this context, can still feel present and alive through these photographs.
  • There is an appreciation for the community of writers and editors who have contributed to the author's work and the broader writing community, highlighting the collaborative nature of creative expression.

POETRY PROMPT LUCKY #7!

Photos Following Me Through All These Years

Poem in ottava rima

Original Color Polaroid and capture by William J Spirdione

To capture what I think I’m thinking of. These words and images I hear in the song. Photography by now’s a lifelong love. My likes may change though not for all that long. These images I’ve saved, I speak thereof. I might not know the why though It’s not wrong. As no one told me what to save. I’m right. I’m glad I kept these photos for our sight.

Original Kodak instant color film and capture by William J Spirdione

First camera I owned, a Polaroid for instant film in color, black and white. My next, the EK4, when Kodak toyed with instant film developed in the light. Was mesmerized and both I most enjoyed when my imagination first took flight. The colors still shine bright through all this time. To lose them would have been a senseless crime.

Original Kodak instant photo and capture by William J Spirdione

I look and see that part of me’s still there. I still do hear the spinning dial’s sound. The copper still shines bright if I do stare. The green ceramic tiles go all around. I almost sit right down upon that chair. Back to that time where memories abound. Are part of us still captured? What’s the drill? And could the nineteen seventies be still?

Original Instant Kodak and capture by William J Spirdione

For decades now kept safe inside their box. I know they sit there still, despite my fears. They’re stuffed behind some underwear and socks among the stuff I’ve gathered all these years. Some memories stay priceless, while time walks. I try to capture them between these ears. My youth left long ago. Somethings remain. The joy I felt back then returns again.

Written in Response to Sharing Randomly and her poem and the Dancing Elephant Press prompt in her joyful piece below…

These prompts are ongoing, so if, at any time, someone would like to write about something that has joyfully stayed with you since childhood, please refer to the piece above for instructions.

And please take a look at Annelise Lords bee-a-u-tiful piece below…

Thank you, Dr. Gabriella Korosi, and her wonderful publication Dancing Elephant Press for publishing my story. Thanks to Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Dr. Preeti Singh, and DR Rawson - The Possibilist for editing our work and making this place a real community.

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