Grounded - a textu

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 Poets and Storytellers United

Friday Writings #126 

"So the optional prompt for this week is to write a poem – or, if you prefer, a very short piece of prose – as a textu of exactly 160 characters including title and spaces."  The standard limit for SMS (Short Message Service) is 160 characters.)  Textu is a form invented by Fady Joudah. 

More difficult than it sounds!   Counting words is simple.  It's not so simple when every space and punctuation mark is counted too! 

This is not a reflection on my dislike of the prompt.  I like the prompt.   It's just what came to mind. 

image source

To place restrictions

on our words

in verse,

or voice,

is to allow no freedom

of the tongue,

nor

wings to spread, 

take flight,

and soar

beyond our

temporal woes.

 

©2024 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved



Comments

  1. J Cosmo NewberyMay 10, 2024 at 6:50 PM

    Nice take on the prompt. I agree.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rosemary Nissen-WadeMay 11, 2024 at 4:21 AM

    Oh, I think this one flies very well despite the restrictions! Thanks for playing along.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Debi SwimMay 11, 2024 at 5:35 AM

    I agree, though with this poem you've whittled down your truth to its beautiful essence.

    ReplyDelete
  4. alan1704May 11, 2024 at 8:20 AM

    I agree, you have used the words so well. Great work.

    ReplyDelete
  5. HelenMay 11, 2024 at 8:55 AM

    How wonderfully clever of you to compose a brilliant 'counter-attack.' Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. purplepeninportland.comMay 18, 2024 at 4:29 PM

    This is so clever!

    ReplyDelete

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