It’s not as though an invitation to “caption this” was noted beneath him in this hypnotic magnetic field masquerading as any other photo on his Instagram page. Nor were his heterochromia soaked eyes behind Canon lens, looking for anyone to co-sign per sé; and yet his work as a photographer, was potent enough to unlock ancient secrets and woo me to the mic, pen in hand.

This ladies and gentlemen, is photographer Damien Anderson.

Self described on his 500px Photography site as an “Urban Explorer and nature and art lover”, he has consistently demonstrated the oft underrated ability to tell a story without using words. Having only recently stumbled across Mr. Anderson’s work, it was very clear from the onset, all were welcome but one must needs discern the tangible presence carefully interwoven within each post.

If you keep listening to him speak, you’ll hear music but it won’t be the #1 Wu Tang Clan fan in him giving cadence to his beat. Instead his heart’s song has been captured strong and in love again, will make you believe…

  Unashamedly in awe with the work captured on his Instagram page, I asked his permission to use a few of his photos as backgrounds (as is customary with Instagram posts) for my poetry. He was kind enough to oblige and I have since posted the pieces on my Instagram poetry page. However the opening photo pictured above (and below) is the photo that sparked a revolution I cannot deny. As soon as I saw it, I immediately began writing and completed in 18 minutes, what has become one of my most favorite pieces of poetry in my arsenal; a piece entitled SMOKE ALARM.

It was a pleasure introducing you to one of the world’s best kept photography secrets, Mr. Damien Anderson. Here’s the poem I wrote inspired by his work. We hope you enjoy the journey as much as we have in taking it. It is a raw example of how Art begats Art and if one remains humble, teachable and alert, inspiration will find you when least expected.

Out of respect for my poetic dismount, I’ll say my goodbyes now.
Love you to life…stay encouraged & inspired🌹e

SMOKE ALARM 

Your lips full

The sweetest of poisons 

Long before they blew 

Kisses and smoke

I hung on to your every word

Praying that my voice was heard

Above the noise of the construction you were under

I found myself reaching 

for you only to be stopped  

By the nouns you let in

That put asunder

I reach

You retreat

I want more

You ignore

You’re so distant and hard now

Like loving me is a chore

I’m fighting through the smoke 

Though it’s burning my eyes

I still crave your forked tongue 

Though its coated with lies

I’m tired of running after you

Already gone, though still here 

I’m weary

I’m restless

I’m done chasing air 

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee, 2015, 2016 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

Photo Credits: Damien Anderson. Used with permission. No copyright infringement intended.

Damien Anderson’s Work Can Be Found:

Instagram:

http://instagram.com/societys_introvert

500PX:

https://500px.com/halfadash