Smith River Magic by Riktorsashen

This triptych poem was written for Read Write Poem prompt #46: Dervishes and Wine Odes. In short, we were to “write about the Divine through an image we don’t usually use”. I’ve always experienced the Divine the most when out in nature, hence this poem….

Now you’re wondering what the heck a triptych poem is. It’s an experiment of mine.

In the art world, triptychs are works of art divided into three sections, or panels, which may be hinged and folded. According to this article at Wikipedia, “the triptych form arises from early Christian art, and was the standard format for altar paintings from the Middle Ages onwards”. Apparently, the triptych form was also used to build altarpieces in churches and cathedrals.

I used the physical art form as an inspiration for my experiment. The triptych poem is divided into three columns, with the columns displayed side by side horizontally in print – like the three panels in a literal triptych.

Now here’s the really cool part – you can read this kind of poem two ways: a) reading each column down in succession until you’ve read all three columns, or b) reading each line across the three columns. A good triptych poem, as I’ve done with this experiment, should be able to be read coherently and be lucid both ways.

I hope other poets try this experiment. This was a lot of fun to compose. Enjoy!

-Nicole

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Written 9/26/08
© 2008 Nicole Nicholson. All Rights Reserved.

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