The end of June snuck up on me but I was able to quick find my way into an etheree based on a quote. (That was this month’s agreed-upon prompt — to write from a quote.) Mine’s from Sarah Polley, whose book Run Towards the Danger I absolutely adored and highly recommend. Here goes:
“I hate stories in which people can’t get to where they’re going.” – Sarah Polley
Seeds
planted
should take root,
guns must go off,
and each rabbit hole
best lead to a warren
of reason, not red herrings.
Folks should get to where they’re going.
No matter the story, it should lead
to some certain kind of satisfaction.
Irene Latham is hosting Poetry Friday and you’ll find links to Laura’s, Tricia’s, Tanita’s and more over there!
Happy July, friends!
Yes! I think this is why I liked Fredrik Backman’s ANXIOUS PEOPLE so much — he gave every character the ending they needed, even if it was in his signature quirky, surprising, and convoluted way!
Ah, Chekhov’s gun gets its due along with rabbits and seeds. I love it — I think the worst nightmares I have are people NOT getting where they’re trying to go — namely me, running against some impossible tide of sand or something… I much prefer stories which get to the point, which is probably why I’ll always love children’s lit.
YES! Books and movies with ambiguous or non-resolution endings kill me.
Ha ha, I know people have wildly varying opinions about this! I love mystery, ambiguity, and the power/freedom to interpret an ending the way that suits me. (An example: Tom Hanks’ movie CASTAWAY ends with his character at a crossroads – literally! And we never know which direction he goes. Love it!) Thanks for the book rec…and for your poem!
I don’t like it when my dreams aren’t resolved which is most of the time, but I can see Irene’s point about ambiguous endings. Sometimes I like to be left wondering. And maybe that’s the satisfaction that stories can lead to – different endings or different opinions about endings for different people. “No matter the story, it should lead
to some certain kind of satisfaction.”
Wishing won’t make it true but your poem reminds me that I wish those in our political crossroads might follow up when they take us into rabbit holes, & stop! The etheree makes great sense here, an exacting form for rule following.
You are the master of the etheree. There is so much to love here. The enjambment “of reason” is brilliant. And the last two lines made me shout YES!
Gosh I really like your poem and this line,
“warren of reason,” there’s some light in that tunnel-poem, and so much movement forward, thanks Liz, and for the book too!
Liz, this etheree is beautifully written. I also like the thought, “warren of reason.” You led us through a maze and into a resolution. Love this!