Woman, Forming in Clay
And a Publication forming — Neither, done for the day
Woman Forming in Clay- Not yet, Done for the Day
I am Woman Forming in clay
Smooth a round, for my belly Press a bow, on my lip
and don’t let me forget the ba-ba-Boom, for my hips.
Count my toes — Don’t they twinkle? Oh, don’t mind my play
When I’ve finished this Crown I’ll be done, for the day.
‘Andoumboulou and Vorfreude’ — The unpronounceable writing prompt that left a trail of magic all over Medium.
The poem above is my too-late-but-gonna-have-fun-with-it, response to the writing prompt, ‘ Andoumboulou and Vorfreude’ in Literary Impulse.
Two people tagged me in their own responses and I wanted to share and talk about them both, but William J Spirdione’s beautiful sonnet is not up anymore — And I think it has something to do with his piece being one of the pieces selected for their quarterly ebook. Congratulations William!!!
The response of the other writer who tagged me made a lasting impression on me 😉 — it had me Googling dinosaur footprints. You just have to read Lori Lamothe’s philosophical, poetic, yet scientifically inspired take on the prompt:
A lot of other talented writers wrote wonderful responses to that prompt, and I do not think I'm exaggerating to claim ‘a trail of magic’; but you can decide for yourself. Here are the others (in no particular order) that I read and marveled at:
- The Golden Thread by Jonah Lightwhale
- Cosmos the Sentinels and “Sapients” by James G Brennan
- Sober Ebullience by Sylvia Wohlfarth
- Clay Draft Waits for Rain by Trisha Traughber
- Elysian Strokes of Life by Upasana Sharma
If you’re reading this and I haven't mentioned your response to the prompt (or read yours), please let me know.
And on a totally different note; An invitation: My Voice for Yours — I’ll Meet you Here.
In this past short month of having my own publication, I think I’ve changed the taglines every week (and will again). This place is still forming, and each day I dream more for it and then change my mind sometimes too. I wanted it to be a crafty/creative-play and ideas place, and I made it so, but then I knew, that I wanted more.
My vision expanded, as it had to, to be able to make space for others (perhaps you? ) to write here.
With that in mind, I thought it might be a good idea to add the video above, with my actual voice, so you might have some idea if it resonates with you. The lovely, Cocoa Griot recently started posting readings with her poems and it struck me how much you can decide about someone from hearing their voice. (Cocoa, my friend — why ‘Gone’?)
The other reason I made the video as it is (with the banner pic of ‘Self-Crafted’ animated), is because the image will be probably be coming off the banner. I love that pic, as I’ve always liked the Matisse prints I adapted it from. And it suited Self-Crafted well enough— up till now (perhaps it’s a tiny bit gender-specific?). But I’ll leave that for you, to have a say in, if you decide to join me here. (There will be a newsletter to subscribe to; you have been forewarned)
Call for Submissions: Follow=Writer (for short time)
This brings me to, ‘how?’ For the next 4–5 days (up till the 9th of March), I’ll take ScienceDuuude’s ingenious approach for WotWU and simply invite you to follow Self-Crafted, the publication.
For this short 4-5-day week, if you follow this publication, I'll add you as a writer.
If you’re reading this at a later date; just email me with a draft link.
The Topics? — Self & Craft
‘Self’ and ‘Craft’. Yep, they’re broad and flexible. Have at it, in any form you wish. But let it be, a piece complete in itself, that is a reflection of your reflections (with self-reflection, if you wish; as the side dish). ‘Small completions’ are encouraged.
My premise (or perhaps it’s a value/philosophy; I don't know) for the publication is:
We are each of us, Creator-Beings, making choices about how we are formed, at each and every moment.
As creatives, there is a relationship between what we are crafting/writing/practicing/playing with, and the forming of our Selves. (and vice-versa)
If you want to be added as a writer, I ask that you are a member of the paid Medium partner program. And that anything being submitted is in draft form, and Medium’s curation guidelines have been followed.
I'll get some clearer submission guidelines out later, but for now, have a look at the premise. And if you agree (or are open to the idea) — follow the publication : )
Tonight I shall be drinking a glass of wine to toast my eternal gratitude and deep appreciation for two amazing writers who answered before I put out my call: Jonah Lightwhale and ScienceDuuude- Thank you, and Welcome, welcome, welcome.
Let's keep me drunk the rest of this week.
Thank you, beautiful reader.
And if you do decide to join me; Welcome, welcome, welcome, beautiful writer. Please feel free to invite anyone else you would like to sit next to: )