The many men, so beautiful!
And they all dead did lie:
And a thousand thousand slimy things
Lived on; and so did I.
[...]
Within the shadow of the ship
I watched their rich attire:
Blue, glossy green, and velvet black,
They coiled and swam; and every track
Was a flash of golden fire.
Think
of a cat or a dog you can describe easily.
First, write a description which reveals a positive attitude toward the
animal. Then think of the same animal
and write a description which reveals a negative attitude. Remember that the animal’s looks do not
change; only your attitude changes. Use
imagery rather than explanation to create your descriptions.
The cat’s tawny fur shone in the sunbeams, contrasting dazzlingly with the pure white snow at its feet. The radiance of his amber eyes seemed to warm up the icy atmosphere, typical of the Scandinavian climate. He stood motionless, waiting for any opportunity to swiftly and royally stretch out his paws on the frozen ground.
ReplyDeleteSuddenly the occasion revealed itself in the form of a tiny mouse, racing between the fallen leaves, making the cat’s blood boil. As the sun disappeared behind the clouds, the mouse was deadly crushed between his cruel claws. Naturally, the wild cat’s fierce eyes weren’t fixed upon the dreadful traces of blood on the snow, but rather on his victim, whilst he was already licking his whiskers with terrible delight. His fur now stained with red bore the mark of death.
He was the troubled-waters’ king,
ReplyDeleteProudly sporting his emerald-green garment.
Flies, plants, all bowed before the passing
Of his figure, gleaming as her lizard aunt.
Yet, with his sly, swindling smile,
And his cruel claws
He was nothing more than one of those
Tyrannical creatures of the Nile.
I suddenly noticed two big lively eyes staring at me in the dark. Slowly, with great pride and dignity, a dog ambled towards me, wearing the impish grin of playfulness on his face. He stopped under a street-lamp, and the light gleamed on his black pelt, the glow moving slowly on his strong chest like the wind ruffling a raven’s feathers. As I looked up at his head, his playful smirk had disappeared and he was now frowning, his head tilted, and he growled at me menacingly. I noticed, too late, his dangerous legs tensing and his body straining back with the preciseness of the experienced hunter. I merely had time to take a step back before he dived forward.
ReplyDeleteElsa
As the cat walked by, very slowly, it looked so mysterious yet confident. A typical proud and indolent cat. Its eyes were dazzling as if they were two coins thrown into a fountain with the sunbeams reflecting on them. Although they were gorgeous, they seemed to be evil eyes. The kind of eyes which belong to someone grim and cold-blooded. The way its ears were drawn up expressed a disgruntled feeling and made me feel some pity towards the cat.
ReplyDeleteEmma
There was something utterly soothing about this majestic and furry sleeping beauty. Lying flat on his back with his paws all relaxed, his head graciously dangling from the edge of the sofa, the cat irradiated with positive waves. It was partly due to his delighted expression, that almost felt like a gentle rub in the back
ReplyDeleteYet, I had no time for such relaxation, and couldn’t help but notice how laziness exuded from every inch of this heap of fat. He didn’t seem to care about anything but his own welfare and was the kind spectacle that had the power to crush anybody’s will to be active in any way.
It was a flighty creature. It was as independent as the winds running the earth, as the water trickle climbing down the mountains, making their way to the ocean. Its eyes, deep as the atlantic ocean revealed its enigmatic complexion.
ReplyDeleteThe tail, the animal tongue could translate its immediate and sudden change of mood with a sole slight movement. And all of a sudden, the claws strike. As a vicious and selfish children, the fluffy creature turns into a wild and untamable animal driven solely by its instincts.
I went to the garden and came nose-to-nose with a mischievous kitty playing cheerfully with fallen leaves. I admired his soft and shiny as well as his bright eyes like two big diamonds for a moment. I caught myself thinking that he was probably the cutest animal I have seen before.
ReplyDeleteI suddenly changed my mind when I saw him show his tyrannous claws. He licked his lips and, with one swipe, killed a poor little bird. This cute cat turned into an agile and callous hunter. I clearly could see satisfaction in his eyes when he saw the blood of his victim.
Manon
shiny hair*
DeleteEach of her barks defied Chione who made her emerald irises sparkle and her chestnut paws charmingly quiver to her comings and goings in the crystal snow.
ReplyDeleteAs the flakes gathered in flocks beyond the window, her dusky fur muddied the bleached scenery.
One of my childhood friends had a unique pet. I was as surprised by the appearance of his cat as by his name. Proust and his fire-like fur had a surprisingly moderate walk that made him singular. The lively animal marched softly.
ReplyDeleteThe slowness of his pace reinforced an embarrassing walk. His excessive weight was unbearable for his legs which progressed sluggishly. The lazy creature was slightly overweighted.
I was stunned by its black jet hair, it was reflecting the sunlight and looked silky. Its eyes were as big and round as marbles, taking a large place on its little face. But there was something striking about this Chihuahua: its proportions. Indeed, its entire body was disproportioned. It had a little rat’s body compared to its huge head and its paws were little weak straws that could break at any instant.
ReplyDeleteIt looked so peaceful, spread eagled by the fire. The cat's fur glowed with the flames, purring in content. Its eyes were wide open, its pupils thin as a crescent moon.
ReplyDeleteBut suddenly, something caught the animal's attention. A mouse was slowly walking along the stoned war. The cat's claws appeared as quick as the menacing sword of a soldier. Its fur bristled into the blink of an eye, becoming awefully repulsive. It slowly got closer and caught the animal right under its claws, in a horrifingly rapid and frightening way.
Posing on the branch, like an Egyptian sphinx, his black and white silky fur was mirroring the sunlight like the discs hanging from trees to scare away the birds. He was looking far ahead, observing his future prey with a piercing eye. I was staring at this majestic figure, admiring his lion-like pride, perched on a tree.
ReplyDeleteSuddenly, the cat turned his head towards me. His flame coloured eyes were staring right at me. He was starting to get up slowly. He looked like he had found his prey and was preparing an attack. I noticed scars on his damaged face and half the tail missing. His bristle was unevenly spread on his bony back as if he had just come out of a fight, or lived in a dump, or both.
For some reason, I wouldn't have imagined my new friend to be a dog person. This is why I was so surprised to see that huge, impressive animal laying in the hallway. He was apparently too focused on biting on his toy to notice me walking up to him, excited about what this piece of plastic had to offer, wagging his tail joyfully. He seemed to be enjoying himself so much that I didn't have the courage to interrupt him and make him move so I could get to the restroom.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know he had a dog, let alone a dog so big it blocked the entire hallway. I got closer in hope that it would move for me, but its toy seemed to be requiring so much of its attention that it didn't even acknowledge me. It was wagging its tail so hard that it repeatedly hit the wall, annoying me even more. It was so big that I didn't want to attempt to get it to move, not knowing what kind of reaction to expect from a best like that. I guess I'd have to use the restroom another time.
Maelle
beast*
Delete*lying in the hallway (check this out: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/lay-versus-lie)
DeleteI like the re-write with the same details but a completely different attitude!
By the window, I saw the majestic silhouette of the cat in the garden , his mottled fur shining in the sun. It turned its head, letting appear two big eyes blue as the ocean.
ReplyDeleteAs it came closer, its fur turned dull and I noticed its sneaky, threatening walk and the aggressive look in its eyes.
Lucie
As she came to me, I noticed how deeply my cat was looking at me, with ocean blue eyes and a slight smile. She rubbed herself on the wall with graciousness and seductiveness. Her silvery fur spread glitter by jumping in front of me and gently putting her paw on my hand.
ReplyDeleteI realized how evil-like was her manners, all about ownership. The devil disguised under attractive features like a femme fatale, using her body to obtain rewards and her target's favors.
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ReplyDeleteThe sun beams exposed the complex patterns of her thick fur. The cat, whose eyes, deep and green, revealed a sharp intelligence, gave her a peacefully focused look. Her stillness however betrayed mischief and a smug smile slit her feline face. Her extended claws dug into the carpet, ripping it casually as she would have a dead squirrel.
ReplyDeleteThe cat was idly laying on the side of the couch, sleeping in deep breathes. The rythm of its purring when touching its silky fur had a soothing effect on me.
ReplyDeleteStill, when I saw its claws making their way in and out of leather fabric, I could not help wincing.
*lying (see the link in the reply I made to Maëlle)
DeleteShe stood still. Uncompromising. Obdurate.
ReplyDeleteBefore her trembeling with fear, helpless
The preys begged for pity. They knew
that the emperess's glare was made of the strongest metal
and would rip off flesh and organs
on the slightest attempt of escape.
A sound. kibbles? Docile, the pet ran to its master's feet, lightly abandonning its prisoners on the way. She opened wide her big, flirty kitten eyes and mewed for a friendly hand
Charline
He was distinctively sitting around all of them. He was looking at us; his eyes were staring us. A subtile connection took shape between the animal and us. That long eye contact generated a silence in the room.
ReplyDeleteSome clients came in and watched the dogs. He suddenly left our faces and looked at those other people’s eyes in the same way he previously did with us. Our connection waned and he became a beast in a cage surrounded by the other dogs, all moving their tail in the same movement.
I'm there, walking in a majestic demeanour, looking at them in a mellow and in search for someone worthy enough of my affection and caresses. I found someone, I'm purring to attract his attention; suddenly he kicks me !
ReplyDeleteMarc is looking at his friend's cat, he looks arrogant and is strutting around since the beginning of the party. The cat is desperately in search of attention, gazing ridiculously at each person. Marc sees that the cat approaches him and starts to purr with a hoarse in the voice. Marc is so fed up with cats, he doesn't want to be the target of this stupid one. He kicks him !
*in a mellow way
DeleteI can still remember that day at the zoo when I glanced inside a pen and saw a splendid beast. He was simply lying there on a branch, his long tail curling and dancing in the air in contrast with his noble face and aloof air in his expression.
ReplyDeleteStaring into the horizon, he bore a completely disdained and indifferent attitude, as if my mesmerized and venerating contemplation towards him was beneath his notice. I could then notice the retracting, dreadful claws he possessed and after having imagined the line of flesh-tearing teeth behind his lips, I trembled in fear and moved on.
My neighbours’ cat was, at first sight, just a big, fluffy cotton ball. It wore its whiskers like a gentleman wears his moustache. You could trace it by the prints its little and fragile paws left on the snow and once you would find it, this mysterious cat would look at you with its daunting, luminous half green half brown eyes and its mouth as if it was smiling at you.
ReplyDeleteBut this appearance was just a deceit. Once you would turn your back it would reveal its true nature: its eyes would turn into an evil look, its delicate mouth would open on sharp fangs and the previous paws would uncover surprisingly trenchant claws: it would not hesitate on using its weapons to try and put you down.
Valentine
She was a slim grey creature, soft fur and liquid gold eyes, flashing a velvety look at me as my hand gently caressed her back. She bathed in the afternoon light, glimmers steel blue disolving in the cloudy shades of her sides.
ReplyDeleteYet I do not know wether it was the sharp pain of her claws digging into my thigh or her sudden growl of discontent, but the creature that seemed so lovely earlier now appeared to me as Satan's pet herself. The golden eyes transformed into cold stones, the delicate body was nothing but a smooth desguise for a sly creature. Now I know why the egyptian goddess of war and vengeance had the face of a cat.