Photo of an underground parking garage and park construction site in my neighbourhood. The project began last year and won't be finished until 2008. In less than a year, the colours of the water tanks have mottled from rain, creating an interesting effect. I like the way the theatre posters on the aluminum fence echo the tanks' red.
I've been out all day, first to the brocante at Chatou, then watching a rugby game. I wrote this poem in 15 minutes, so it's very much a first draft. For Sunday Scribblings, my inspiration:
Inspiration surrounds me
it's there in your eyes, a look, a wink
its' magic eclipses words
and is glimpsed in your smile
It's evident in the colours of nature
and spills from the laughter of children
It rings in the words of friends
and books and poetry of others
It shouts from the heights of mountains
and whispers in the ripple of brooks
It whistles in the wind
and beckons to me in dreams
It peeks through friends' imaginative art
or shines through the old masters
it's a heart-shaped paper on a sidewalk
or a pyramid formed in stone
It's footprints in the sand
and ocean waves crashing against rocks
it's sailing on San Francisco Bay
and the view from Russian Hill
It's in the lined faces of old people
and the clapping hands of babies
it's offered by an open heart
or a thoughtful gesture
It's found through a prayer
or someone's bravery
it's forged through courage
and willingness to risk
It's sheltered in a worthy cause
and waiting in buried treasure
it's wrapped in a fight for justice
and tied with hope for our future
Inspiration surrounds me
Congratulations to Laini and Megg for their first year of hosting Sunday Scribblings! It's a joy participating in such an inspiring series of writings.
I can tell by the wonderful photos you take that you find inspiration wherever you go Tara - you have such an eye for beauty in life in all its contrasts and realities; in its history. I love how you capture the passage of time in objects. It's always such a treat to read your posts and look at what your camera (your eye) has caught.
Posted by: chiefbiscuit | 22 March 2007 at 12:13
Tara, that it inspired for 15 minutes. Loved the reading and the picture.
Posted by: Brian | 19 March 2007 at 15:00
"its' magic eclipses words" love this. Well done for 15 minutes. The photo is fabulous, love what is happening to the paint.
Posted by: Jone | 19 March 2007 at 14:27
Your poem is wonderful, I can't believe it only took you 15 minutes. I agree with you that inspiration is everywhere. Life is just bursting with it, if we just stop and take notice.
The photograph is also lovely.
Posted by: waspgoddess | 19 March 2007 at 10:48
My dear that may have taken only 15 minutes, but it's no draft as far as I'm concerned.
I agree with tinker - "I find your poem about what inspires you, quite inspirational itself."
Thanks for visiting mine!
Frances
Posted by: Frances | 19 March 2007 at 03:10
As usual, I love what you write, because it always describes exactly what I feel but couldn't quite seem to say! I too find "inspiration" in all those places, and since I've been writing, and exercising my creative muscles on a regular basis, I am generally more inspired by life in general!
Great post, great poem!
Posted by: Becca | 19 March 2007 at 02:40
First draft done in only 15 minutes?!?!? Bravo!
The last stanza really stays with me. Justice and our hope for the future are truly entwined.
I like the new masthead for your blog! A beautiful Paris photo-montage.
Posted by: KG | 19 March 2007 at 01:35
You are a leader in the fight for justice. Well done.
Posted by: wendy | 18 March 2007 at 17:51
Tara, you inspire me and so many others with your beautiful poetry, photos, and inspirational comments! Thank you!!!
Posted by: khambagirl | 18 March 2007 at 15:06
I really LOVE your poem!
Probably because it's SO inspirational and because I suck big-time at poetry!
It's soooo cool!
Posted by: Bohemian mom | 18 March 2007 at 15:00
Oh so beautiful, I could read this over and over. There is a romantic cantor to it! I really loved your poem Tara, thank you! Very inspirational!
Hugs Sherrie
Posted by: giggles | 18 March 2007 at 14:28
Here I found it - I've been forming thoughts about inspiration all day - reading posts about deliciously fantastic muses, and feeling that my muse is more prosaic although I love her for her steadfastness and perseverence. Here in your poetry I see that my muse is also poetic - you gave her words and set my own words free.
xx
Posted by: Frida | 18 March 2007 at 14:07
Here is one which tells of my philosophy of life...
I live for those who love me,
Whose hearts are kind and true,
For the heaven that lies above me,
And awaits my spirit too,
For all human ties that bind me,
For the task that God assigned me,
For the loved ones left behind me,
And the good that I can do.
Posted by: A Wildlife Gardener | 18 March 2007 at 12:38
What a beautiful poetic soul you have!
Posted by: A Wildlife Gardener | 18 March 2007 at 12:36
Hey, very nice quick write here. I appreciate all the inspirations, but my fave stanza is "It's sheltered in a worthy cause
and waiting in buried treasure
it's wrapped in a fight for justice
and tied with hope for our future".
It sums up inspiration so well..sheltered, waiting, wrapped and tied.
nice.
Posted by: GoGo | 18 March 2007 at 12:16
Yes,inspiration is all around us. I love the way you paint with words.
Posted by: meredith | 18 March 2007 at 09:49
Love the photo and the poem is, what else? Inspirational. :)
Posted by: Mardougrrl | 18 March 2007 at 08:09
You inspire us with your beautiful photography and writing!
Posted by: Autrice | 18 March 2007 at 08:06
I love how the colors of both compliment each other in your photo. Good eye!
Posted by: Linda | 18 March 2007 at 07:56
Tara, that was one good first draft about inspiration. I must say this is one motivating post..
Posted by: gautami | 18 March 2007 at 06:06
Great post! I think this is my favourite Sunday Scribblings prompt as I get to find inspiration where others find inspiration. Your list is very visual...I can see that heart shaped paper on the sidewalk and hear the ocean crashing against the rocks. And I like the vivid reds and oranges of your photograph.
Posted by: susanna | 18 March 2007 at 06:01
This flows through me like a soft breeze so lovely, so comforting!
XOXO
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen R | 18 March 2007 at 05:58
I love the words with the image. And I agree, it looks like it's mottled. Beautiful!! Your pictures are so pretty. I'm so envious - I want my camera NOW!!!!
Posted by: holli | 18 March 2007 at 05:58
OK....what did you really do with those other 13 minutes? You are so good that you probably were so inspired that you were able to do it in two....but just didn't want the mere mortals to break our keyboards! Thanks for the consideration. LOL
Well done....and very interesting pictures, too.
Posted by: nuster | 18 March 2007 at 05:37
This is a great poem Tara. You've been an inspiration to me since meeting you!
Posted by: bella | 18 March 2007 at 05:36
What a great poem......you`ve inspired me through those fantastic words.....love the picture too ....I have a thing for rust and decay....and this is a stunning pic
Posted by: Gypsy Purple--Chamara | 18 March 2007 at 04:37
Oh darlin! I love this one sooo very much:) 15 mins? oy ya gotto be kiddin me! such talent...did you get my email? your parcel shipped this am and I want to make sure our mails are getting through to stay in touch! xo
Posted by: berrie | 18 March 2007 at 02:10
Tara! I love this poem! I also feel so inspired by the view of the bay from Russian Hill. Someday we'll have to enjoy it together over here :)
Posted by: Alex | 18 March 2007 at 01:33
I think your poem just about says it all, Tara! You are inspired by so much because you recognize that inspiration in yourself- like a mirror. That's a place where I would like to get to...
Posted by: Regina Clare Jane | 18 March 2007 at 00:05
You must really have been inspired to write such a great poem.
Thanks.
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 17 March 2007 at 22:55
Tara,
Your ability to see and recognize inspiration all around you is what enables you to write beautiful poetry!
"Inspiration surrounds me"
Well done my girl.
rel
Posted by: rel | 17 March 2007 at 22:20
Show off! LOL 15min to write this wonderful poem of inspiration is inspiring ;) You ROCK! xxoo
Posted by: Tammy | 17 March 2007 at 22:20
wow, as i read the amazing writings from so many sunday scribblingers(sp)?- I realize I may be breaking the rules by participating! It's amzing that you wrote that so quickly! I must come back and look at your time cosuming poems. Nice job! :)
Posted by: lucy | 17 March 2007 at 21:45
Oh, I almost forgot to comment on the photo - the red and gold of the tanks do blend so very well with those of the theater posters, they couldn't have planned it any better! Great photo.
Posted by: tinker | 17 March 2007 at 20:40
Lovely, Tara! I find your poem about what inspires you, quite inspirational itself. Great take on the prompt, especially for a first draft done in only 15 minutes. Well done! xo
Posted by: tinker | 17 March 2007 at 20:37