NaPoWriMo 2017 - Prompt #6 - Poetry from Art

Medusa, the Gorgon of legend.  What do you see
in this work of art?  A creature of horror or of pathos?
 A mood that's grim or that is sad?  How does the dark,
monotone color palette work in this piece?

If you have been reading my blog through the years, you know my fascination with using art as inspiration for writing.  I've had the honor of posting some amazing pieces of art here, mostly with permission of artists on Deviant Art.  So of course, eventually, "poems inspired by art" would have to come up in the prompt list for this year's NaPoWriMo.  The official term for this is "ekphrastic poetry" and it has a long and glorious history (of course!).

Here are some call backs to great art that has appeared on this blog evoking fantasy, science fiction, and horror themes.

"Colchian"
"Reborn"
"A Fada Azul"
"Space"
"Yorick's Date Tonight"
"I Did Not Do It"

Prompt #6:  Find a work of art that intrigues you, and write a poem that invokes the piece.  Are you focusing on the colors in the art?  Is there an apparent 'theme' or story in the image?  Is there a mood or emotion that interests you?  Consider these sorts of questions as you ponder your poem.

For something more specific, use a photo that you took yourself as the inspiration for your poem.

If you, like me, are considering different aspects of science fiction, horror, and fantasy, then definitely check out the six pieces of art above, and flip through any posts labeled with "Prompt the Muse" for additional inspiration.

Happy Writing!

Prompts crafted by:
J.A. Grier, Senior Scientist and Education Specialist, Planetary Science Institute
Amy Grier, Managing Editor, Solstice Literary Magazine
Image Credits: Medusa, public domain.  Wikimedia Commons