Saturday, January 30, 2021

Of Language, Beauty, and Storytelling

not-quite Journaling, 5

Language is magic
we feel in words.

1/20/2021: It’s true. I believe it in my heart and feel it in my bones (which is why I love writing and reading and all things that come with words in them). What about you?


there’s beauty
in all the phases

of nature


 
 

1/25/2021: I’m always delighted by how beautiful a flower is from budding to wilting. I especially love how the scent grows more complex with time. Have you noticed? If not, you should try it one of these days (then tell me about it). My amaryllis buds tend to smell of flowery grass (to me), the mature flowers spark the scent of sunlight, and when the blooms start to wilt (I swear) they smell like wine. I wonder if this is some kind of selective synesthesia—if I’m not smelling the scents but the colors. What do amaryllis flowers smell like to you?

Love can be a monster,
or not.

1/26/2021: I was asked for a blackout poem that could be the first line of a love story or a tale of psychological horror. This is what I came up with. I’m going to expand the piece into a full-length poem, story, or a combination of both. Would you like to help? If your answer is yes, leave me a comment with a line or a sentence, which you think would fit the expanded piece. I will do my best to include every serious contribution. The gathering of sentences/lines will remain open until mid-February.

- for Poets and Storytellers United (Writers’ Pantry #55: Break Dance!).

43 comments:

  1. I agree language is magic (and music) There is beauty in all phases of nature and your flowers are beautiful I actually don't know the smell of amaryllis. I love the roses here in the gardens They smell amazing.
    Cool your blackout poem I will give it a go to contribute a line
    "white ghosts covered in fog calling you" bit of a stab in the dark lol
    Take care

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Magic and music dance well together, don't they. I have never grown roses, but I agree that they can smell fantastic (specially the wild ones).

      Delete
  2. A multi-faceted piece, a joy to explore. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love this project, Magaly, and the photos of your gorgeous flowers. Here's a line for you:
    Our tongues are like petals unfurled with the scent of words.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooh, with this line, I better make it a romance.

      Delete
  4. Thanks for making me think, Magaly. Lover of words, keen observer extraordinaire. Smelling colors, imagine that. 'Wilting' made me cast a glance at a bottle of mangosteen wine in my bookshelf. A wilting amaryllis smells like boiled sweet potato to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Boiled potato? Really? How extraordinary. I have another blooming amaryllis. I shall go sniffing and see if I can find some potato in the scent.

      Delete
  5. "But then "monster" is a very subjective word XXX

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yes love both the photos AND the erasures. Write on, Sister!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love words too Magaly - love love love!
    "Ah" he breathes "this night is my gift to you..."
    Anna :o]

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think language can be like magical incantations that we spell with. I love to move the letters around and change everything. I'm always translating life and feelings into words to give them place.

    ReplyDelete
  9. "Language is magic we feel in words." Indeed. that's why i am still practising this magic. :)
    thank you for sharing the lovely photos of the flowers.
    let me think of a contribution to your project.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm pretty sure that's why most of us are still practicing this magic. 😁

      Delete
  10. That idea of magic carries through--beauty or horror? What can be done with a simple phrase.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Language feels like wild magic in my hands, LOL, but oh what a rush it is to feel it take shape when I play with it.

    I wish I was able to successfully grow an amaryllis. They are awfully pretty. I have no idea what they smell like though.

    Oh, so many ways to go with that bit. The phrase "civilized claws" came to mind so make of that what you will. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amaryllises are so easy to grow, really. You should try it one of these days. And I really like your phrase--sharp chic.

      Delete
  12. I've never smelled an amaryllis, Magaly, but the fragrance of any flower transports me to my mother's garden! You seem to have gotten lots of help for the black out poem, so I'll just be a voyeur and admire your skill.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wonderful journaling thoughts. I love words as well and all the nuances of meaning. I think you must to be a poet

    ReplyDelete
  14. I too, really appreciate this 'journal' of poetry ... so lovely. Wishing you a good week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love your opening poem. To not just see and hear the words but to feel them is simply magical. And to add a line... "It depends on what you feed it." (The heart growls in hunger.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lori. And your contribution holds so much truth.

      Delete
  16. We feel in words, as we feel in art. I think anything creative, that expresses "us".
    I love the different scents you smell! I have to try! I love your words!!
    "Yes"
    Show me your teeth and I will show you my smile.
    Big Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yes Magaly, beauty and wonder!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I never have fragrant flowers at home because the scent is overwhelming to me. I like herbs, though. ^^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wonder if you find the scent of lavender overwhelming, it's very flowery.

      Delete
  19. Magaly! oh yes..language is pure magic..words are spells..what an enchanting post..and your gorgeous photos.. from the beginning bloom to the withering petals..all beautiful if one can be open to see it fully..life transformation and renewal..all that just one simple flower gives us..is extraordinary.Nature it is a sacred kind of magical language too!Your blackout poem is wondrous!! Have a sweet day!

    ReplyDelete
  20. As you know, I've been thinking about this monster of a poem for a bit. Everything hinges on the "or not" - which dangles irresistably at the end of the beginning and brings with it a whiff of air and light into the dank chamber. It's like a chain, rattling. So.... here's my bit of contribute:
    on its hook dangles a heavy chain, an empty collar
    burning in your pocket, a key

    thanks, Magaly! I really enjoyed this and look forward to the pieced together parts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are right, that "or not" does all kinds or things. It speaks of choice, of possibilities, it opens doors...

      And your contribution is magnificent!

      Delete

I love reading your insights, so share them with me; and if Blogger is acting foolish, and labels you Anonymous, please add your name at the end of your comment. 😘