LesleyScoble.com

The #Keepitalive #WDYS #165 is a visual challenge. The challenge is to write a post, a story, or a poem inspired by this black-and-white image of concentric circles and two silhouetted figures. 

My poem titled, ‘Who are we? What are we doing? Where are we going?’ I wrote in response to the challenge.

The poem is a conversation between two silhouettes.

Who are we? What are we doing? Where are we going?

Are we hypnotised? 

I think we might be. 

Are your black and white eyes doing this to me? 

I’m not sure…
Why are my feet stuck to the floor? 

I haven’t a clue! 
What shall we do? 

I’m not sure… 
I am transfixed to the floor. 
I cannot move—
I’m stuck in a groove.

Can this this be real? 

I’m not sure… 
How do you feel?
Where’s the door? 

What’s that wheel? 
Is it a vortex?
Is it a portal?

Are we immortal? 
I feel compelled. 
Dispelled from real life. 
Who are we? 
What are we doing? 
Where are we going? 

There’s no way of knowing. 
We’re a simple silhouetted boy and girl,
in some kind of maze and a black and white whorl. 

I gaze at you and you at me.

Are we in some weird eternity?

I’m not sure…
but I am afeared
I’m stuck to the floor.
Doomed to stand forevermore.

Are we shadow or silhouette?

I’m not sure…
I haven’t decided yet.

Is it a dream?

If it’s a dream… it’s your dream.
I always dream in colour.


Lesley Scoble   December 2022

My thanks to Sadje at Keep it Alive for providing the visual prompt and inspiration for my poem. 

Lesley lives in the City of London Square Mile. An artist, actor and sculptor (her first ceramic sculpture won the V&A inspired by… Award). Scenic artist & book illustrator, playwright, (her musical play, Rapscallion performed in inner city schools and theatre school); TV dancer; Animator and illustrator for TV production. Set up Pinecone Studios Ltd and IIMSI Ltd drama and filmmaking workshops in London – producing award-winning films made by children.