Thursday, April 15, 2010

Poetography

Some of you already know my bloggie pal Jinksy of Napple Notes. If you do, then you also know she's a clever lady with a delicious sense of humour and fine poetry skills. Jinksy is my favourite kind of poet - sometimes serious - oftentimes silly. Occasionally she'll turn her comments section over to her readers challenging them to a poetic response, which is what prompted me to offer her a challenge of my own.

I often search the web for interesting quotes to accompany my photos. Sometimes I select a snippet of a song, a line from a movie or something from a book. More often than not, a bit of poetry exists which will often express the mood of my images. It's satisfying to find the right ones, but it's also very time consuming.

Enter Jinsky.

The other day, I dropped my poetic friend an email asking her if she might be inspired to write a few lines for each of the photos you'll see below. Jinsky rose to the occasion and quickly shot back with her wonderfully crafted verse and haiku which are paired with the matching images for which they were written. I hope you enjoy them, and if you do, please be sure to drop over to Jinsky's blog and let her know. I bet you'll find yourself returning there often.



This lovely gull circled around me a few times before I was able to get him into focus. Though he was still fairly distant, it looks like I just had time to take the photo and duck out of his way - thanks to my zoomy lens.

the camera's eye
freeze-framed the quizzical glance
of the gliding gull




This little pocket of the lake collects the strangest things. Last time, it was a fishing float and an apple. This time it looks like breakfast was on the menu - Cocoa Puffs, a solitary Honeycomb and what appears to be a mushroom cap.

cereal puff balls
float in a nightmare landscape
of water logged dream




This is last year's Autumn Joy which will be cut back before new growth appears. When it begins to bloom in mid-summer, it looks a bit like broccoli. Then as the mini blossoms open, it changes from green to soft pink to rusty red.

Ghostly echoes of the past
haunt the dried flower heads
as they dream of youth flown
and wait patiently for rebirth.




Walking down the street, in the town of Lindsay in southern Ontario, we saw this cute pooch watching every car and person which passed beneath his window.

It's a dog's life standing still,
poised like a statue on the sill,
watching clouds go passing by
with never once the chance to fly
on scudding paws along the street,
free, excited, swift and fleet.
What dreams go racing through his head
at night, inside his doggy bed?




We spent the night in Lindsay. These three stones decorated the table in our motel room.

Three polished stones encircled by lace
each with a word carve on its face-
Truth for the seeking,
Faith in the finding,
and Wisdom to grant overall grace.




Back at home, I was trying to photograph a bird which sat atop a higher branch. The winged critter was out of my focal range but the camera decided that these woolen mittens were an unusual find - about ten feet above me.

green pine-needle spray
disguises identity
of two brown mittens




On the first warm day of spring, all sorts of wheels hit the pavement - bicycles, motorcycles, roller blade and skateboards. This board was abandoned hastily by my young neighbour. I suspect he had to pee.

Bright painted shapes protest at their sudden view
of a world tip tilted and stationary,
as the discarded board's metal wheels vibrate
with the hum of remembered movement.




Then again, that might have been me who had to pee... after finishing this yummy martini made with passion fruit, lemonade, pineapple and vodka.

on a glass surface
painted dragon fly hovers
intoxicated




Newly-sprouting willow boughs against the backdrop of the setting sun.

willow branches bow
to greet golden, glow-worm spheres
of lighted windows

Thanks for joining Jinsky and me on our little joint adventure. If you enjoyed our post, please stop by her blog and let her know.

I'll be back in a few days.

53 comments:

Jinksy said...

We have lift off!! Thank you for all your hard work in making this launch possible Hilary!

Bernie said...

Your photo's show even more beautiful on your post....I think you and jinksy have accompolished something wonderful.....:-) Hugs

Tabor said...

Terrific photos Hilary! They tell a story in and of themselves but Jinksey is certainly the whipped cream on the top.

Zuzana said...

WOW!! I am lost for words; this is a collaboration made in heaven. A true feast in images and words!
LOVED all the photographs and I loved the little poems by Jinksy...
Really beautiful, this should be repeated again soon.;)
xo

Brian Miller said...

see now this is fresh like double mint gum...double the pleasure, double the fun...remarkable ladies...

Sueann said...

What a beautiful and inspiring post Hilary! Awesome!
A wonderful collaboration!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Steve Gravano said...

Awesome collaboration, the photos and poems work well together.

Paul C said...

Poetography morphs well with images and verse!

Mental P Mama said...

Just beautiful. Words and photos...love the intoxicated dragonfly;)

CiCi said...

The words and the photos are like hands joined in friendship. Very good work and thanks to you both for the fun and artistry.

SandyCarlson said...

The combination here is superb. Only you, Hilary. You bring out the best in everyone and everything. And thank God for ya!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Hilary: What a neat look at the world through your photographic eye. Really neat post.

Boozy Tooth said...

Hils! Your work is just amazing. Not only do you bring us the most breathtaking images, but you must first see the subject matter! I wonder, as I go through my day, how much beauty I miss by not looking.

The cereal in the pond? I would have missed that. The mittens? Missed. I would totally have enjoyed the pooch in the window, but not thought to capture the image. And that gull. WOW.

Thank you so much. And Jinksy's poetry was just the perfect enhancement.
"Ghostly echoes of the past
haunt the dried flower heads
as they dream of youth flown
and wait patiently for rebirth."


Just gorgeous.

Caddie said...

I love the pictures and no question, I love Jinksy. Ain't she somepin!

The red bloom is Sedum. Wish I had a start of it.

lime said...

that gull shot is simply amazing!

Mage said...

Oh, I really enjoyed every bit. Thank you both.

ethelmaepotter! said...

Wow, this is such an amazing post, I had to go back to savor it twice.

My favorites: "the camera's eye
freeze-framed the quizzical glance
of the gliding gull."

"Ghostly echoes of the past
haunt the dried flower heads
as they dream of youth flown
and wait patiently for rebirth."

"...as the discarded board's metal wheels vibrate with the hum of remembered movement."

"...watching clouds go passing by
with never once the chance to fly
on scudding paws along the street,
free, excited, swift and fleet."

and finally, "willow branches bow
to greet golden, glow-worm spheres
of lighted windows."

Amazing, as always!

Daryl said...

That was wonderful ... a friend of mine who writes poetry is entering some contest and asked to use my photos ... I should tell Jinksy about it and she can enter these .. just dont tell my friend!

Linda said...

You two make a great team. I look forward to more such collaborations!

Frank Baron said...

Jinksy and Hilary got together one day
To join their words and pics in play.
They made such a delightful pairing
That we all hope for more such sharing.


Thenk-ew. Thenk-ew ver' much. I'll be here all week. Try the broccoli ragout - it's fabulous! And don't forget to tip your waitress!

Rajesh said...

Amazing shots. I loved the first shot most.

Suldog said...

As always, your photos are an absolute joy. And to have Jinksy's words along with them... wonderful sensory overload. Thanks to you both!

Sniffles and Smiles said...

You are truly a DYNAMIC DUO!! What a team you make! Simply PERFECTION! There is nothing more I can say! Love this, Hilary! You're brilliant! ~Janine XO

Unspoken said...

Ah, what a lovely combo you two have made :)! I liked "water logged dream"!

Dianne said...

you two could/should do a book together

the seagull is amazing, beyind amazing
and the willow!!
and that last shot made me exhale

it is always so wonderful coming here

Kelly H-Y said...

WOW ... you two make a fabulous team! Nicely done!

Cloudia said...

Applause!!!!!




Aloha from Waikiki


Comfort Spiral

messymimi said...

I'm not sure whether I enjoyed the words or the pictures more, thank you both!

Karen said...

That was wonderful! I felt like I was on a wandering poetic trip. Loved the bird. Amazing, as usual Hilary. I'm going over to Jinksy right now.

Country Girl said...

I have missed you. And this is a beautiful duo post. Made me smile.

Joanna Jenkins said...

You two make a GREAT team. this was really wonderful Hilary, I enjoyed it very much. Dare I ask.... More please????

And thanks for your kind words about my step-sister's passing. I really appreciate it.

xo

Cheryl Kohan said...

Good job, both of you! You should do this more often. Have to say that the little ditty that Frank Baron came up with is quite nice, as well!

Anonymous said...

oh, wow!
I especially like the photograph of the skateboard and verse that accompanied it.

Dave said...

Wonderful Hilary and Jinsky. Specially liked the poetry about the dog. - Dave

Unknown said...

great pairing.

and I love the whimsy of the mittens suspended in the tree.

but that willow shot is my favourite.

nice to meet your friend Jinksey

Maggie May said...

Now where have I seen these lovely pictures before and that very apt poetry?
I know....... over at Jinksy's.
great idea.

Nuts in May

Pat - Arkansas said...

I very much like your coined word, "poetography." Perfect for this wonderful collaboration! More, more!

Your "eye" is a true gift, m'dear! Thanks for sharing.

Redbush said...

I love the willow branches in the sunset, but, all the photos are wonderful. The poetry that Jinksy created just fit the scenes so well!

Rosaria Williams said...

You two are made for each other. Loved the experience.

Hilary said...

* Thank YOU, Jinsky. I had the easy part .. I sent you some photos. You did the real work. :)

* Thanks very kindly, Bernie. :)

* Tabor, not only is Jinksky the whipped cream... she's the chocolate sprinkles too. And a little nuts. ;)

* Zuzana, thank you so much. Who knows.. maybe Jinsky and I will have a sequel sometime down the road. I'm glad you liked them. :)

* Thanks, Brian. I always wanted to be one of the Doublemint twins. ;)

* Thanks very kindly, SueAnn. Very much appreciated. :)

* Thank you, Steve. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

* Thanks kindly, Paul. :)

* Thanks, MPM. Jinsky sure has a way with words. :)

* Thanks so much, Technobabe. I'm glad to know that you appreciate our effort.

* Sandy, you're such a sweetheart. Thank you so much for such kind words. :)

* Thanks, Fishing Guy. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

* Thanks kindly, Alix. You certainly have to look in order to see. I catch myself doing the same thing pretty often but every now and then I'll take a good look.. then show it to the camera. ;) I'm glad enjoyed Jinsky's and my collaboration. :)

* Welcome, Sissy and thanks for the kind comment. Jinksy is indeed something special. Thanks for the actual name of Autumn Joy.. Sedum. I did know that, somewhere in the recesses of my brain. Thanks for the visit. I hope you'll return again soon. :)

* Thank you, Lime. :)

* Much appreciated, Maggie. :)

* Thank you, Ethelmae. Isn't Jinksy's poetry wonderful? I'm happy to see you stop by. :)

* Daryl, "mum"s the word. Thanks for the visit and kind words. :)

* Linda, thank you kindly. We'll see what we can do for an encore. ;)

* Thank you Elvis.. you still sing up a storm, and swing a mean hip. (Frankie has left the building). ;)

* Thanks kindly, Rajesh. :)

Hilary said...

* Suldog, thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was fun joining forces. :)

* Thanks very kindly, Janine. You always have the nicest things to say. :)

* Thanks kindly, Amy. Much appreciated. :)

* Thanks so much, Dianne. Always a pleasure to have you here. Your kindness always makes me smile. :)

* Thanks very much, Kelly. :)

* Thank you and Aloha, Cloudia. :)

* Messymimi, feel free to enjoy them both. Thanks for the visit. ;)

* Thanks very much, Karen. I'm certain you'll become a Jinsky fan. :)

* Thank you, Kate. I've missed you too. Welcome back. :)

* Thanks very kindly, Joanne. We'll have to see what we can do sometime in the future. :)

* Thank you, Cheryl. Much appreciated .. and by Frank too, who happens to be behind me as I type. :)

* Thanks, KC. I expect the Mom in you can relate to that.. with all your boys. :)

* Thank you, Dave. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

* Thanks kindly, Deb. I'm happy that you enjoyed the post. :)

* Thanks very much, Maggie. Nice to know you visited both pages. Thanks for that. :)

* Thanks very kindly, Pat. You never fail to make me smile. :)

* Redbush, she's quite the fine poet, isn't she? I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

* Thanks very much, Lakeviewer. I'm glad you think so. :)

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

I loved scrolling down past the photo, to see what Jinskey wrote...I see an e-book here...

Kerri Farley said...

WOW ~ she did a great job putting verse to the pics ~ Fabulous!

Debbie said...

Wow! I loved this. Your photos are incredible.

Shammickite said...

Your poetography post is a great idea, I really enjoyed it. How clever of you two to collaborate like that.

LadyFi said...

Just gorgeous words and stunning photos! I enjoyed this immensely. Thank you.

the Bag Lady said...

Excellent work by both of you! The photos are fabulous, and jinksy's poetry well-suited to each one!

Mark Kerstetter said...

Your pictures are wonderful, and the two of you are stellar (a partnership worth pursuing, I'd say). Your photo of the dog in the window is a knock-out.

Hilary said...

• Thank you kindly, Teri. Jinsky did such a great job didn't she? Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Kerri, she certainly did. I had the easy part.. asking her to do it. ;)

• Debbie, thanks very kindly. :)

• Shammie, good to see you. Thanks for the kind words. Jinsky and I quite enjoyed it. :)

• LadyFi, thanks very much. I'm so glad that you did. :)

• Baggie, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed our joint effort. :)

• Welcome, Mark and thanks very much for your kind words. They're so appreciated. :)

G said...

My mouth watered at the picture of that cocktail. Can't wait for the long summer evenings and the chink of ice cubes against glass.

christopher said...

Beautifully done and seemingly seamless.

imbeingheldhostage said...

This was a brilliant idea Hilary and Jinksy!! What a great marriage of word and photos.

Hilary said...

• BPG, it was delicious too. Available at the LCBO. ;)

• Thanks very much, Christopher. :)

• Thank you, IBHH. Jinsky and I had some fun with it. :)