Veillée

Rowan Eschen

Come my dear let us walk,

let the cobblestones bump melodies

into our patent leather soles

We’ll stumble upon a nook

in the hours of indigo dusk

when the crackling records play

Where the light is a gleam

we can dip our bread into,

cascading from olive oil stars

Our chairs will creak in time

to the hum of conversation

and exhale of an accordion

Peals of laughter and lemon,

will spiral and burst citrus onto

the cobbles beyond

While the waiter chuckles to some

quiet joke, and the tables share

bites, sips, and tales

Where night slides down

awnings and street corners,

lending an ear to the glowing exchange

Let us remain as the patrons

begin to stroll home,

And await another such night.

Spencer Daniel

Biography: The first thing I ever did create was art, and it’s always been a skill i’ve carried very close to me. Despite how integral it is to my identity and how frequently I create, i’ve always kept it largely separate from my studies (marine sciences, geology, science communication). I tend to treat my pieces like relationships: intimate, messy, but always cherished. I’ve only publically shared them with you all at Prism Magazine. Prism has given me the opportunity to share this part of myself the past two editions, and I am truly thankful for the support i’ve received from publishers, fellow artists, and readers alike. My inspiration comes from envisioning an emotion so strongly and feeling it so deeply, that I need to get it on the page.

Artist Statement: I started this piece in June, it took me till November to finish it. I try to paint a feeling, and to me this piece represents so, so many. I wanted to convey the thrill of being spontaneous and the caution that comes with it. The indecision that pairs with independence, the vulnerability that accompanies freedom. Overlayed with the beauty of pattern and color, “Spontaneity & Indecision” was my favorite piece i’ve made this year. The girl depicted, is the culmination of my experiences with these emotions. She is who I envisioned to make this piece, which is how I connect her to this years theme.

Rowan Eschen

Biography: Rowan Eschen is an emerging poet from Boise, Idaho, currently studying English Literature at OSU. She loves being outside and is forever a hopeless romantic, both of which are frequently reflected in her poetry. She loves to travel and meet new people, and can often be found curled up with a book or chatting instead of doing her homework.

Artist Statement: There is something that will be forever charming about that slow dinner feeling, when every moment is so vivid and the night keeps stretching on, a feeling I hoped to encompass in this piece. I’ve always loved the idea of European dinners, where there is no rush and endless courses, and this piece reflects a vision of that. Of truly taking the time to appreciate a moment and immerse yourself in just one lovely meal. Sharing the night with others around you, away from the bustle of the world, and enjoying the simplicities of life.