Tuesday, April 12, 2011

An Ocean Ekphrasis

I needed to turn to google to clarify day twelve's writing challenge prompt - to find an image and free-write about it. Interesting. Do you need to refresh your knowledge of literary terms, too?

EkphrasisOne particular kind of visual description is also the oldest type of writing about art in the West.  Called ekphrasis, it was created by the Greeks.  The goal of this literary form is to make the reader envision the thing described as if it were physically present.
I took this picture a few years ago out at the Oregon coast.


Lick your lips. Taste the salt riding the invigorating cool ocean wind that has found your face. Stretch out your arms. Feel that? Close your eyes and let your muscles strain against  the powerful gusts that could lift you into the air like a kite. Imagine bobbing and soaring high above the sand, tethered only by a slim cotton string. Listen. The ocean is shouting; it's words unintelligible, lost in it's own roar. Squint as bright sunshine makes it's way past high feathery clouds and warms your hair. Sigh in contentment with the knowledge that all those that you love most are standing on the warm sand next to you.

3 comments:

annie said...

Wish I were there right now...so, so beautiful, invigorating yet peaceful.

Rachel said...

Love love love the Oregon coast.

SS blogger said...

Thanks fot the blog - i do appreciate hearing another's story with SS

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