Which poem or story that we have looked at so far made an impression on you? What was the impression it made? Can you imitate the poem or story and create your own poem or story drawing on your own personal experience?
At times, I have underestimated the power words on a page possess. However, I am quickly reminded when I am captivated by its magical essence. From feelings of sadness and sorrow to feelings of happiness, anger and nostalgia, my emotions have been provoked by its masterful nature. In particular, I was captivated by Judith Wright’s poem, ‘Rockface’ and was also inspired to create a poem of my own.
Judith Wright’s poem, ‘Rockface’ explores the sacredness, beauty and rarity of the land despite the passing of time. Wright is an observer of this work of art, the remnant of the mountain, with no authority to manipulate it and can only contemplate on the rich history and distinct meaning it provides. It is through the poem that I too was able to recognise that an unchangeable beauty exists wherever I tread and how although things may appear similar, everything has its own distinguishable history. The line ‘the remnant of a mountain has its own meaning’ cemented this idea and allowed it to be transcended into my personal life. Although being born in Australia, my Egyptian background has always played a major part in my life. As I travelled in Egypt, I immersed myself in my culture and visited historical sites that as Wright mentioned, have their own meaning, despite others believing that they all appeared the same. Everything is different.
Inspired by Judith Wright’s poem, ‘Rockface’
Photos taken by me
Holly’s Blog 
Loved reading this Holly! The last two lines are amazing (and your blog presentation is leagues ahead of mine).
I’ve enjoyed a lifelong fascination with the history of Egypt, so I can only imagine what having a direct family connection is like. You’ve really captured that idea of history oozing from everywhere you look (if you know to open your eyes and see). It speaks to the greater appeal of stories locked away in historical sites the world over. Some of them we may never know the full story to, yet it this makes them all the more fascinating and appealing. It’s interesting how the sheer passing of time adds to the story of these places, the ‘remnants of the mountain’, even though the original purpose may have been abandoned long ago. We are closer to the birth of Christ than the builders of the pyramids were time wise.
I have a technical suggestion that is more a matter of personal taste than anything else; if the first two lines were in current tense I feel it may help enhance the anticipation and match the pacing of the rest of the work.
‘Magnificent structures awaken, beckoning me to unlock ancient mysteries
through the power of my curiosity.’
I gather all the photos at the bottom are from your own travels in Egypt? I am jealous, I hope to do the same one day in the future.
Andrew Colman
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