“Though we have instructions and a map buried in our hearts when we enter this world, nothing quite prepares us for the abrupt shift to the breathing realm.”

― Joy Harjo, Crazy Brave: A Memoir

Writing Prompt:

Most people don’t remember the first four years of their life, but Natalie remembered everything. She could even remember the sounds of the womb, the songs her mother sang, the arguments she had. From the moment her brain formed, she was learning, but no one would ever know because she was born mute. Although she could hear and write, she felt she could express herself best through art. People often misunderstood her intentions because her sense of beauty and comfort differed so much from theirs. But soon she would meet someone, or something, that understood her more than she could have ever imagined.

Writing Tip:

An image is often subjective and abstract, to understand art, one has to interpret it and the artist’s intentions. Spend some time looking at artworks that you’re unfamiliar with. Take notes on how it makes you feel, what it makes you think of, and what you think it means. Notice the colors, the lights and shadows, the shapes, and the expressions. Now do some research, what other interpretations of the art exist? Is there a statement from the artist about what it was supposed to mean? How do all of these interpretations differ? How can you apply this to Natalie in the prompt?

---

Hello my little friendly geckos, thanks for the read! Just a reminder that you can see get a free copy of my poetry collection, The Moth that Haunts the Laundry Room, on Prolific Works. If you want to support my creative endeavors, you can also purchase the book on Barnes and Noble or Amazon. For weekly poems and book updates, check out The Moth Poetry. Don’t forget to check me out on Instagram and twitter for herpetofauna photos, poems, and more! You can also see me on YouTube for literary and film tropes and reviews. If you write something based on one of my prompts, feel free to share it with me, I’ll even post it on the website! All links provided below. Happy writing, and don’t forget to like and subscribe!