Urban Tableau
Poor man on the kerb,
rocks back and forth, back
and forth, cradle-like,
He sobs, “I’m so tired.”
In his hand, I place coins,
tears streak down his face.
~
A balloon escapes—
and a child gives chase,
Crossing the tarmac,
a pigeon pecks crumbs.
Café aromas,
drift like a lost dream.
~
Lesley Scoble, September 2024
I wrote my tableau poem in response to Laura Bloomsbury’s, d’Verse Poets, MTB: A Tableau for Sam Hamill prompt. This is my first attempt to write in the Tableau poetry style, created by Emily Romano in 2008.
To read the poetry form and prompt guidelines please click the details below.
The Tableau Poetry Form Details
Poetry Style:
- 1 or more verses
- 6 lines per verse
- 5 beats/syllables per line
Poetry Rules:
- title should contain the word ‘tableau’
- poem should aim to be pictorial
- no rhyme scheme
Hint: Its optional but you could let your tableau reference the poet Sam Hamill, a poem of his, or his style of poetry.
“Only the fish who leaps
sees the moon on the water”
The Oracle – Sam Hamill
CREDITS
Thank you, Laura, for your inspiring prompt and introducing me to the Emily Romano’s Tableau poetry form and to the poet Sam Hamill. May I have a G&T from the bar, please? Cheers!
Last but not least, thank you dear readers for reading. 🙏
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.
LesleyScoble.com 
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