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Rhea Forney's avatar

This may be a silly question but…

How can one tell the difference between simple descriptive writing and writing that is meant to be ekphrastic?

Is it the writer’s allusion to something much greater? By great I don’t mean a grandiose idea. For example, you mentioned in the beginning of the post the daffodils blooming. To me, the simple mention of them conjures up smells and crisp mornings. The newness of life.

I love the connection to liturgy, and this is what makes me think the writing must evoke a greater response to something—much larger than just the simple words on the page.

Eh, I’m not even sure what I am writing makes sense, but I love this concept of ekphrastic writing and I look forward to pointing this out as we read.

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Zina Gomez-Liss's avatar

The most famous piece of ekphrastic poetry is W. H. Auden’s “Musée des Beaux Arts" which is a very interesting poem to look at when considering the art that it references. Catholic Literary Arts has an ekphrastic poetry contest right now that you may be interested in:

https://www.catholicliteraryarts.org/2025-sacred-poetry

I have only entered it once, but hopefully some of your readers will consider it. Closes at the end of this month. I’ve written ekphrastic poetry based on my friends’ photos on social media and Substack. And I have written about photos from growing up as well. Poetry, beauty, and memory are so inextricably braided together — at least in my experience as a poet. I have about 3 ekphrastic poems I reading this Sunday at 7pm at an event my friend has organized. It is open to the public. If you are interested let me know and I will give you the link.

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