By Kerry Pegoraro and Brad Wall
Editor’s note: One in a series of posts showing work from The Art of Words exhibit, which ran in the gallery of Follow Your Art Community Studios in November 2021. For this collaborative exhibit, FYACS writers and artists in residence exchanged words and art, prompting each other to respond with something new.
Prompt
Wrecks at Night
by Brad Wall
The bay is so beautiful at dusk
While walking on the sandy beach.
Our jackets, faded, from salty air, brusk
Winds cutting into our flesh and a breach
Coming into sight try our lovely night.
My gal, not amused, wanted to take flight.
My curiosity labored our date and she
Left without amusement, hoping to find it at the quay.
I, resigned to another lonely evening, a poor greening
But I am to be the one keening
For these glorious ships wrecked upon the rocks.
My love, more than my Miranda, is home far from docks.
Alas, sweet sorrow carries weight too much for young.
Nevertheless, a sweeter tongue shall rid evil from love that is far-flung.
Response
Wrecks at Night
by Kerry Pegoraro
Prompt
In the Shadow of the Mountain
by Kerry Pegoraro
Response
In the Shadow of the Mountain
by Brad Wall
Oh-ho-ho! Today’s another fine day in the shadow of the mountain. Air so crisp this time of the year. Mmmh…these pickled plums are more delicious than the last batch. Sipping early morning olive tea, I, Masahiro, mused on what would be found on my daily stroll.
Mt. Fuji seems lovely in this light—oh how it all sparkles…Risshun will soon happen. More plums—fresh, yummy plums for the new season. Ahh. Time. While walking, the light hits my mizu tattoo, fading away like myself, brings back memories in 1944 for this old sailor. The kanji character meaning water accurately depicts the ebb and flow of seasons.
Through these delightful woods, I came by ardent olive farmers. Happy to see young folks growing such precious fruit. I pop an olive into my mouth as I stroll along with a basket. Oh-ho-ho! I hope to live long enough to see them ripen!
Coming back, I spot sprouting blueberries and pick them. Back to the retreat. Ahh…fresh green tea eases all old pains of the day. The waxwing greeting me chirped loudly. As a perfect offering, I give to you, my friend, these blueberries. As the sun fades, we whistle sweet tunes together.
Brad Wall is a librarian, writer, and lover of words and art. He is also a Writer in Residence at Follow Your Art Community Studios. Brad received his master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts.
Kerry Pegoraro is an Artist in Residence at Follow Your Art Community Studios.
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