One of the places I like to go for images and inspiration is MorgueFile.com. A “morgue file” is a stock image that is used when it is not convenient to go and grab or draw a new image. Say you want the skyline of Gotham City or the President is giving an unannounced speech. One would simply go to the morgue file to get that image for use.

If the photographer travels, you might find street level photographs of the places you are seeking at Google images. I tell students that using a site like MorgueFile.com will set apart their presentations visually from those that are being grabbed in a search engine where everybody else is going. You might have to dig a little bit, but it might keep your presentation a little more lively to use images in new and metaphorical ways to bring your message to your audience.

The images at MorgueFile.com are taken by amateur photographers and posted for use on the web. Permissions are already granted. Usually, these photographers want–at most–to know where and how the photo was used.

Today, I found an image of a “sneaker.” I try not to wander too far down the wormhole when I come to MorgueFile as before you know it, I would be looking at piles of Lego, or buttons, or birds, or. . .

Sneakers. Ahh. . .sneakers. Three stripes down the side. Almost like Keds, but not for the boy from the country.

Today, we are using a strategy that is like strike line, but with a twist. I want each line of the piece to be a potential strike line for another piece later. Let’s see how this goes.

Here’s today’s poem.

 

“Labor Day in Northern Michigan”

 

It’s early September and Jerry Lewis looks tired.

It’s been a long night and it’s almost time to sing the final song.

Anticipation mingles with the scents of coffee and cigarettes.

Grandpa has been following this program since late Sunday evening.

 

I’m thinking about these brand new sneakers on my feet.

Three stripes down the side, just like the rest of the kids.

But you’re a lay-a-way kid and these shoes took time.

Everything takes time when you live in the country.

 

Tomorrow, you’ll stand in front of some bulletin board.

To see whether you are an apple or a canoe or an indian head.

In a day your name will be written upon some paper cutout.

These will be your classmates, your friends, your people.

 

Can anyone ever look past the difference three stripes make?

A boy can still run in sneakers paid for in and on time.

Jerry is calling for the microphone and cueing the band.

I believe–somehow–that I’ll never walk alone.