The Moon In June: A Mikeydred May Dollar Prompt For All Vocal Creators

Introduction

Apologies for the error in the title, but I cannot change it as it would first of all require a ticket to Vocal to move it to drafts, then changing the title changes the URL so any previous links would fail, but this is for June 2024.

Every so often I set prompts in the Vocal Social Society and offer a dollar tip to three random creators who take part in it and ask them to share their stories in the comments and on the thread in the group.

This is not official and usually after each one I say that's it, but this is another time where I say, "No, let's have another prompt.

So What's Gonna Happen This Time?

I want you to write me a story or poem, the theme is the month of June and/or the Moon, and I know you can take that in so many directions.

June: Strawberry Moon

In North America, the harvesting of strawberries in June gives that month's full moon its name. Europeans have dubbed it the rose moon, while other cultures named it the hot moon for the beginning of the summer heat.

"Moon in June" is the last song with lyrics that Soft Machine recorded, and their last look back to their progressive rock, pre-jazz sound. The song is in three parts. The first is a pastiche of vocal themes delivered in a stream of consciousness which varied in live performances. Wyatt plays all the instruments in this section. The lyrics borrow from Soft Machine's earlier "That's How Much I Need You Now" and "You Don't Remember", but largely from new vignettes recorded in a demo by Wyatt in October 1968 while on holiday in New York state. An excerpt from a different demo of Part 1, recorded in November 1968, was included on Robert Wyatt's 2001 Flotsam Jetsam archive compilation. The second part features the whole band, and is an instrumental similar to other jazz-rock pieces on the album.The third is a drone featuring Wyatt and violinist Rab Spall; Spall's part was recorded separately and was sped up and slowed down to make the violin fit the beats of the music. This section also features Wyatt scat singing uncredited renditions of two Kevin Ayers songs: "Singing a Song in the Morning" and "Hat Song"

The song by Soft Machine may provide inspiration but I think that this should be enough for all you incredible creators.

I will write one myself and include it, but that won't be classed as an entry.

I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with and I know that you are all incredible creative Vocal talents, so get your pens, paper and keyboards out.

The music is "Moon In June" by Soft Machine from their album "Soft Machine III" and the title provided the inspiration for this prompt / challenge.

Take a listen, it may give you an idea or two.

So SHARE YOUR WORK in the comments here and/or also on the thread in the Vocal Social Society if you are on Facebook.

On Monday 1st July 2024, I will award a dollar tip to three random Vocal Creators who have shared their work here.

The Thread in VSS is here.

Here is the last prompt/challenge with the results and stories:

This is my example story, remember yours can take whatever form you want from Senryū (川柳) to saga , poetry or prose: