I like to study the work of other amazing artists who were famous for their craft. This year, I'm working through a personal "class" based on a writing idea book called The Creative Writer's Notebook. The notebook takes a famous author, lists some of their works that the reader should consider, then creates three or four ideas/writing prompts/brain games for the reader to do based on that author's style.
I'm not sure if Christina Rossetti is in the notebook because it's only the beginning of the year, and I haven't looked too far ahead in the study. However, just doing this study causes me to look for inspiration to mimic in the work of other great artists.
Recently, I stumbled on this poem by Christina Rossetti and thought how fun it would be to compose a color poem.
When I was in elementary school, I remember writing color poems after reading Mary O'Neill's Hailstones and Halibut Bones, a poem book composed only of color poems for children. I think I still have some of those poems somewhere, but I decided to graduate my efforts and bring me back to those creative childhood memories. Writing and English were always my favorite subjects.
Color
What is pink? a rose is pink
By a fountain's brink.
What is red? a poppy's red
In its barley bed.
What is blue? the sky is blue
Where the clouds float thro'.
What is white? a swan is white
Sailing in the light.
What is yellow? pears are yellow,
Rich and ripe and mellow.
What is green? the grass is green,
With small flowers between.
What is violet? clouds are violet
In the summer twilight.
What is orange? Why, an orange,
Just an orange!
Source: The Golden Book of Poetry (1947)
Orange
By Anna Witan
it would be the same shade as change:
orange.
A physical, tangible fruit in your hands,
a word that doesn't sound in your ear like
any other,
and a metaphysical palate tone you can't put your finger on.
Bright and warm
ugly and sour.
The flower in spring
The sun in summer
The leaf in autumn
The dusk in winter
A slash of yellow
with a red glaze.
Equal portions light, cowardice, sunshine, shock -
Equal parts anger, blood, roses, love.
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