This is the original image of #1 of ‘The 100′ series. Sprayed onto a particularly uninspiring example of city architecture in East Vancouver this single word “going” attracted me because of its carefully inscribed Grade 6 style of writing, so different from most urban wall graffiti. Its simple one word power of mystery, poetic evocation and pathos enchanted me.
I considered the obvious, that this was the beginning so it should also be the end. However, I am placing it at #99, just before the cycle finishes, because I need to contradict the obvious.
I have made some changes to the image and use it here as the penultimate #99. I cropped and added text to the photo creating a poem of sorts, or perhaps more realistically, a primitive chant, of leaving, of departure…The illuminated ‘One’ was unintentional but when it happened it gave me pause…despite our going and separation we are still one, always one, here together…
going gone
going gone
going
going going
gone
going gone
gone going
gone going
gone
going going
gone.
the song of the sailor raising the sails,
the drums of the warriors leaving forever,
the pounding heart of the refugee,
the hurt voice of lovers
walking away,
the boots of the restless
embracing the highway,
the cry of the imprisoned
as iron doors crash close,
the breath of the dying
on their final beds of light,
time, seasons, love,
friendships,
life.
Photo and poem by clinock.
Credit and thanks to the unknown street writer.
A primitive chant…the liquified white dust from a pile of bleached bone scrolling through the long loops of innocence…the ineffable lighting four corners on the concrete block horizon line…
Whoa John…evocative and inspiring
…as is your poetic comment Jana, thank you for your wonderful words…
Even though the sun punctuates the tops of e’s and o’s
the vowels echo
their emphasis hollowed out
Words banging against the windows
a cacophony of sentiment from the world of sound
In only silence
can I listen for your voice
(I hope you don’t mind my posting this here John. I woke up to the words last night and I realized this morning that #99 was still influencing my thoughts. )
Best, Jana
Jana, of course i don’t mind, in fact i am honoured and left speechless by your beautiful poem…
wow 🙂 that is so strong (and uplifting!) The beat of all of it. I love this poem, it is my favorite of all of yours! xx
Thank you very much Ina, your thoughts and support mean a lot to me xxx
There are so many things I love about this ONE John………the simple idea you began with…..extended…..and now use to draw to conclusion…..or rather a new beginning. How words have different meaning in different times and contexts. How you have woven your words onto this seemingly obscure graffiti word and given it depth, meaning……and mystical illumination. On top of all this you have given us expection and wonder as to what you could present us with for #100 as this post would seem to fulfil that role perfectly…..
Your perceptions are always thoughtful and meaningful Robert and I thank you for the time and care you give to them,,,
First, the transformation of a very functional looking building with one word. And then, the huge shift towards treasured manuscript in its second outing. It is too greedy to wonder what’s next?
Thanks Philippa, as of now now I don’t know what’s next…something perhaps that’s eluded me and is waiting to be discovered…so many possibilities…
I’m won’t even try to comment as well as j. h. white
Your presence and your comments are always so very appreciated Carl. Thank you for your time to read my post…
I delight in, cause I found just what I was looking for.
You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day.
Bye
Thank you for your visit and comment, you are always welcome here my friend…