Writers are encouraged to write about what they know. This has merit, but does it shortchange our imagination or compassion? When we take the time to tell the story of others, which requires empathy, interpretation, care and research, this can broaden our understanding and cross borders. The stories that inspired the following video poetry are not mine, but they are not unfamiliar. They float between us and around the corner from us, becoming part of the great cloud of our subconscious mind. When the unspeakable happens it makes ripples that resound through all of us.
Alouette is the French word for a family of birds English speakers know as larks. It is also the title of a French nursery song known all over the globe. The song is intended as a way to teach children the parts of the body, but, as with a great deal of children’s songs, there is a sadistic streak in it that cuts deep.
Lark, nice lark,
Lark, I will pluck you…
I will pluck your back. I will pluck your back.
And your tail!
And your feet!
And your wings!
And your neck!
And your eyes!
And your beak!
And your head!
Lark!
Alouette is also the name of the Femmebot, who identifies this song with unmentionable abuse that has rendered her damaged and changed her nature. But who is she and what is that nature?
remarkable! i can’t say i’ve ever experienced multi-media verse like this. tony
Thank you so much! Video poetry is not very familiar, so I am making it up as I go along. It is nice to know that something is coming across the screen that people respond to. The term multi-media verse is really awesome… I may just steal it!
kat
Tony, would it bother you if I quoted your comment at some point? No pressure.
Thanks,
kat
Reblogged this on synkroniciti and commented:
This is one of my early works here on synkroniciti, a piece of video poetry. It felt appropriate to revisit it as part of this week’s theme of woman.