Well, it’s been awhile, hasn’t it? But here I am, back in Stanza-land, and what better way to come back than a writing prompt from the folks at dVerse? Today, Sarah challenges us to choose from a number of paintings by artist Lee Madgwick, and use the painting as inspiration for an original poem.
I will post the painting below, but first, the poem.
Murmuration:
NPR.org
Murmuration refers to the phenomenon that results when hundreds, sometimes thousands, of starlings fly in swooping, intricately coordinated patterns through the sky.
Murmur Murmur
Murmur, murmur, murmuration.
Endless swirling iterations.
By what compelled? No explanation.
I won’t venture speculation.
Like pointillistic illustration,
a thousandfold their compilation.
As one they dance their presentation,
and none claim “leader” designation.
At dusk they merge, no hesitations;
mingling, calling salutations.
This roiling mass staves off predation
as they scope night’s destination.
Starling flock cooperation;
flights that defy computation.
I murmur my appreciation.
Murmur, murmur, murmuration.
What Rhymes with Stanza? 
Lovely! Love your take.
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Thank you. I enjoyed writing this one.
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You are so welcome.
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Firstly, let me doff my hat to you for finding so many -ation words and using them so brilliantly. I love the way the form adds to the sense of movement. It’s very well done.
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Thank you, Sarah. It was a fun prompt!
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Love the way you used the murmuration world…
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Thank you, Bjorn.
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The murmuration is a beautiful dance by the starlings.
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It certainly is.
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