artwork by Bronwen
Hello everyone! Here´s prompt four from Bronwen for Winged Words -
“The search”
There are so many different ways to enjoy birds out in the open. Sometimes we’ll be told about someone else’s sighting and go to try and find it ourselves, whether local or far away. Sometimes we’ll go on a walk and stumble across something entirely unexpected, and there’s a satisfaction in both. One, an orienteering mission, the other, a magical surprise - but both are filled with wonder and a feeling of fulfillment.
I’d like you to go on a search. Whether someone’s told you about a bird or natural site of interest or beauty that you’d like to see for yourself, or whether you want to go on your own adventure. This could be anything, wandering a new street on your lunch break and (safely and alertly) looking for birds in trees or nesting in rooftops, or going to a new spot with time to spare, a lake or footpath, and exploring, seeing what birds cross your path or provide the backing soundtrack for your day. Search the bushes and sky, wait in silence, quietly follow birdsong or rustling to the creature at the heart of it.
Perhaps you’ll find no birds, but something else instead; a sense of peace, silent mist creeping in, sunlight on the water, squirrels playing, or pigeons looking for food underneath a bench. Or maybe you’ll happen across a bird you’ve never noticed or seen before, or an old favourite, a blackbird or robin. Use this time to simply notice, no pressure on your mind, because this experience is for you.
Whatever you find, winged or leafy, puddles or fog, rodent, insect, or majestic heron, I want to hear about it in your poem. What happened on your journey? What did you see and hear? What did you feel? Were there colours?
Happy searching, stay safe, and I hope a wonderful creature or realisation presents itself to you.
-Bronwen
Submission Guidelines -
Submissions are open from the 5th to the 26th of September
- Poems must relate to the prompt, but wide interpretation is considered. Although we love birds, birds do not necessarily need to be a part of your poem. We appreciate that they can make us think of many things!
- One poem per entry (unpublished work only).
- Please send submissions to wingedwords.weesparrow@gmail.com
- Please only include your name in the body of your email. Poems will be read anonymously, so please do not include your name on your poetry document.
- Please note any relevant social media handles/websites in your email.
- Please include a short bio (50 words max).
- Word docs or PDFs please.
- 40 lines max per poem excluding title.
- All the poems will be read by Bronwen and she will choose one poem per prompt which will be featured in our newsletter.
A wee reminder that submissions over at The Wee Sparrow Haiku Nook are open from the 1st to the 15th of every month. You can find the full details here.
Happy writing!
Chirp chirp!