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.