LITR 3731: Creative Writing

Poetry Presentation & Response for 9-8-03

Reader: Will Frith         Respondent: Liz Little

Poem by Will Frith

*conflict for color*

there was a residual silence
in the darkened corner of the hallway
there was an exposed subconscience
on the faces of the walkway
-it must get better

there was a line of people
pouring out onto the street
there was a lot of time to kill
and thousands for us to meet
-it must get better

inside, we all want the same thing--stability and
comfort
with a dash of conflict for color
we hide, the true meaning of our thoughts--words
casting
a shadow, over our intent for valor

there was a darkened look of concern
on the faces of the passers-by
there was an enlightened kind of person
sitting in the middle of the drive
-it just got better

inside, we all want the same thing--peace of mind and
conscience
transcending earthly suffering
we guide, ourselves into the realm--of thoughtful
composition
of getting out in the forefront
-it just gets better


Will read the poem "Conflict for Color."  Liz responded with questions about the background of the action in the poem as it applies to the theme as a whole. 

Questions:  Is the word "Conflict" in the title specific to any certain type of event or action?                                                                                                    
Is the "residual silence" a left over silence from a particular conflict? 

Will answered, "No."  He said that he was really writing about writing.  My understanding of Will's further answer was that the poem had more to do with a writer's inner point of view and the necessary public expression of that point of view.
The use of imagery that suggested a movement from the inside toward the outside was discussed.

The class was asked if they could see related imagery such as image clusters.  Liz defined the term image cluster as imagery that connects with one another as part of the poem's thematic structure as opposed to mixed metaphor that might confuse meaning.

The use of darkness and light was mentioned.  Enrique pointed out that the images were open.  He got the impression that the images expressed various layers that ranged from such places as a concert, closet, or even a church.  He suggested that the images offered many directions.

Another student suggested that the poem related the strangeness of a new experience such as going into a new place much like coming to the university for the first time. 

When the discussion of images was concluded, Dr. White asked where Will could go with this analysis of his use of related imagery or image clusters.  Dr. White suggested that it would be a good idea to use more of it.