#TANKATUESDAY. This week it is Ekphrastic Tuesday.
Merril D. Smith selected the image this week. It’s a lithograph and you can read more about it HERE. Remember, we can see what’s in the image, so write your poem using the image as an inspiration. Don’t just describe what you see in the lithograph. Think about metaphor and allegory. Just remember to check what form you’re using. Some of the Japanese forms frown upon the use of metaphors. This challenge explores Ekphrastic writing, inspired by visual art.
I chose to do a Tanka this week, I really love this image, it’s very relivant to the world today .
A folly is a building usually constructed strictly for aesthetic pleasure. K.L. thinks this one is a little gem, what do you think?
Merlin has landed Morgana in dangerous situation, is it just folly or a folly too far?
For visually challenged writers, the image shows an almost symmetrical brick folly with gothic style arched doorways at either side.
The Folly – Image by KL Caley
Morgana landed on the grass behind the wall. “Wet bum again!” She thought to herself. Reaching inside her bag she pulled out her instructions and her phone. Her phone was not working, right she thought no mobiles so looks like I am in the past…or maybe the distant future. Her instructions were clear find the folly and the hidden moonstone and then get back quick. Typical Merlin sparse on detail and short on help.
Nail by neatly manicured nail Morgarna inched her way along the folly wall, counting the bricks as she went. Still fuming about the last few days and Merlin’s lack of care ….except for his car! Then one brick scuffed her hand it was standing proud…. “Right my little beauty ” Morgana hissed, what have you got instore for me. Carefully she prised the stone out and found a key lying underneath. Taking it out she wiped it on her skirt “Well now you are a bright sparkly thing aren’t you.” Morgan stopped mid sentence as she heard voices approaching. It was two men, dressed in Edwardian garb and they were busy discussing the dinner at a near by country house that they’d be attending that evening. Morgana held her breath and waited until they had passed. Then quickly she replaced the brick and slid the key into her bag. Getting her instructions out again she turned the paper over and read, ‘Once you have the key lay low until 7pm by which time it will be dark. The door this key opens is just inside a cave entrance behind the trees to the left of the folly. Then proceed with caution! ‘ “Proceed with caution! Why an exclamation mark” Morgana asked the empty space around her as she lit herself a cigarette , she sat down behind the wall to enjoy her smoke and got a silver flask out of her bag, “Here’s to you Merlin, you shit! ” She said taking a sip , “Mumm, Bacardi and coke, just what the physician called for.”
It was getting dark and a tad chilly so Morgana was glad to hear a distant bell chiming seven. Carefully she picked up the several dogends she had accumulated and put them in a tin which she threw into her bag. Then retrieving a warm scarf from the same bag and wrapping it around her head and neck she set off towards the cave, key in hand. When Morgana found the cave the door was easy to spot. It looked as if it was usually well hidden but someone had recently cleared a camouflaged screen away revealing it. As Morgarna entered the dark passage behind the door she could hear faint music and voices. She took out her torch from her bag and edged her way along the passage, which was cold, uneven and on a steep downward path. The music got louder and soon she could hear chanting and excited groaning. The further she went she could feel warmth, eventually she saw an opening with plenty of light escaping. Putting her torch out Morgana edged up to the open space. Her eyes widened as she could see a cavern full of people, some dressed in cloaks and hoods and others totally naked. The whole place was lit by flaming torches , in the centre was a huge fire and an alter. Above the alter hung a clear circular stone with markings just like the Moon…. The Moonstone.
Everyone was totally involved having a great time a real orgy. Merlin, thought Morgarna, you’ve landed me in it again no warning not an inkling….. She was just wondering which spell to use to bypass these sex crazed revellers when one of the company shouted, “By the laws of the Hellfire Club our scrifice has arrived!” Startled Morgana looked round to find herself surrounded by four burly men who held her tight in their grip. ……
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