Click on image to enlarge for easier reading. © Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. "Interior with a Young Girl Writing" by Peter Ilsted [1905], courtesy The Athenaeum. Cropped slightly to accommodate the poem.
Once again I was browsing through The Athenaeum site and came across a Danish painter by the name of Peter Ilsted (1861–1933). If you go through the pictures on his page you will be struck by the number of them that have doors and/or windows.
For the Poetry Friday Round-Up, hurry over to see Robyn at Life on the Deckle Edge. And after that, do a little holiday shopping at Robyn's Etsy store.
This poem hit home with me, Diane. My fascination with doors and windows runs deep as well. And, in theater, the proscenium arch as well-- the entryway into another world where our imagination beckons.
ReplyDeleteI have several photos of interesting doors that I've taken over the past few years. I've made a number of them into haiga. If you're interested, I'll send you the links.
DeleteYES! I'm interested.
DeleteI put together four that I will post for Poetry Friday, so come back then! At a later date I might try to pull together my window haiga. Recycling applies to more than paper and cans! ;-)
DeleteMagical portals -- YES! Moving outside my own comfort zone -- much harder. ;-) Wonderful observations tucked into your poems, as usual. I must tell you I reflected on your Thanksgiving poem many times as I cooked last week. And I used the word viscera multiple times. "Is that viscera on your pants or mud?" You inspire me, Diane!
ReplyDeleteViscera is a great word, isn't it!
DeleteDoors and windows are fascinating. When I was young my grandparents bought an old hotel to convert into a house. It had so many doors and windows. For years after I had dreams of going through the maze of doors discovering new hidden rooms.
ReplyDeleteI had a friend growing up who lived in an old, old house with lots of rooms. I, too, had dreams like yours, but the rooms were always in the attic. I still have dreams like that, but very infrequently. They're better than the late for class/test, can't get there no matter what, dreams I STILL have! Performance anxiety is a killer!
DeleteI have several paintings or photographs framed of doors/gates/windows. After reading your poem, looking at the extra pictures, listening to the comments, I find it fascinating that so many collect these images. Your poem could be the beautiful prompt for students, Diane. What is beyond? What is just out of sight? Thank you for always making me think.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. I'm sure you've seen that poster, "The Doors of Dublin." The whole subject is fascinating!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this Diane. I have always been partial to doors slightly ajar - what lies without? who will step in? should I step out? One of my favorite holiday things to go is imagine what lies beyond the doors I pass...love the way to situated the poem within the art, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tara! It must be especially fun imagining what's behind some of those highly lighted doors. Although, with some of the yards I've seen decorated, the inside of the house can only be anticlimatic!
DeleteI love your take on this picture! I'm going to have to go get lost at that site soon!
ReplyDeleteHi, Diane. Doors are such a powerful image. PBS is promoting a documentary called "Door of No Return" about the history slavery in Africa and the U.S. The images of that doorway open onto the sea will stick with me.
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