Beth Camp Historical Fiction

Sunday, October 14, 2012

October 14: Reflection


I could avoid looking in the mirror
or looking within, but not what I see
when I look at you, daughter of my heart,
from my flesh and from my bones.
I cherish this old photo taken in San Francisco,
just after I learned you were resting in my womb.
I remember longing for you, daughter,
the dream of night visions realized.
Today, you bless your own child with love,
one generation and, as the poet says,
“Joy on joy,” now two, sweet reflections.


Today's prompt from Octpowrimo simply asks us to look at our own reflection, and if that is too difficult (as evidenced by my frequent breaks from writing this morning), to reflect on Eric Hoffer, "With some people solitariness is an escape not from others but from themselves. For they see in the eyes of others only a reflection of themselves." So the prompt goes: What I see when I look in your eyes. There are some 50 of us trying to write a poem a day. To read what others have written, click HERE.

ROW80 UPDATE: Skipped Weds update. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by travel preparations and the quilt show (this coming week and then done!). When the "to do" list is too long, time management gurus say to tackle the hardest task, the one you least want to do. So yesterday I sewed secret pockets in my two travel pants.

BUT the good news is I have begun working through  Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell. A chapter a day. This process feels like it's more connected to the revision I want to do, even if the coming three weeks in November mean I will be far from home or computer. Still have two critiques to do for NOVELS-L. But I am writing a poem a day (and reading what others have written, sheer creativity!). Bell says set a writing quote for each day and then stick to your writing until you achieve it. I need to hear those words, though I'm setting goals, not a word quota  -- yet. 

And progress on yet another sideways marketing goal: gain skills on Twitter. Yep. I'm twittering. Twitter posts take me to very useful articles on writing craft -- and connect me with other writers. If you twitter, try @bluebethley  May your week go well.

4 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:56 PM

    wow, I remember this event from the last century. Isn't it amazing how life unfolds, like a budding rose. You are blooming, my dear. I love you!

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  2. Love the poem and the picture. Sweet. I have such respect for those who tackle poetry.

    Plot and Structure is on my TBR list. I hope you'll share more of your thoughts on it. Best of luck with your goals this week. I need to tackle some of those things I least want to do, that's for sure. ;-)

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  3. would like to follow your tweets unfortunatly those whom I follow have outstripped followers(so many interesting sites:) so only allowed occasionaly to follow new ones - if you follow me @albertaross would be great - great poem - all best for this week

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  4. Lovely poem! Poetry is something I've never been able to write. Sounds like you're doing well on your other goals too - keep up the good work!

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