Here is another in my series of occasional ekphrastic poems (ekphrasis is art about art, in this case, poetry inspired by a painting). The artist, Thomas Cooper Gotch (1854–1931) painted some interesting pictures, a number of which are available for viewing online. One that I find particularly striking is titled, "The Child in the World." What a stylistic difference between it and "The Orchard" above!
The Round-Up this week is being held at Poet! Poet!
I love the contrast between the image and the title. Is this how the world seems to the child? Imagine what The Adult in the World might look like.
ReplyDeleteLiz, this is what we sell kids with our fairy stories.
DeleteI like the comparison between the growth of the fruit and the growth of her inner courage -- gradual development for both. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Keri!
DeleteI really enjoy all your ekphrastic poems, Diane. Like the final lines, especially, and it was nice to compare Gotch's two styles.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoy them, because I certainly enjoy writing them! I'm planning on looking for more of Gotch's work.
DeleteI posted an ekphrastic poem today, too! I'm finding myself more and more fond of that form. It is sweet to delve into two types of creativity at once. I particularly love your lines "the clusters of Queen's Anne's/lace that nearly engulfed her"--lovely sounds, and it made me appreciate the painting even more.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karin, I'll check out your poem.
DeleteI love "there exists a nascent courage" that angels could not exist without. A wonderful thought and such a compelling image. I am always inspired by the way you combine words and images.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret. Perhaps Clarence Odbody came to mind when I wrote this--too many viewings of It's a Wonderful Life over the years!
DeleteI like the way your present your poem as a kind of study, Diane, as if you are writing for a museum piece, to be shown with the painting. The poem enhances the two works very much.
ReplyDeleteI've long wanted to write haiku and short poems to accompany the Currier Museum paintings. I have a Currier collection painting coming up in a PF post later in March.
DeleteSuch a thoughtful and thought provoking poem. The last two lines really hit home. Can I challenge you to come up with something for "The Child In The World" also?
ReplyDeleteOh, Lordy, I just finished up my 28 color poems and now you want to challenge me with something else?
DeleteHere you go, a little too message-y for my tastes.
The Child in the World
The world has gold
and jewels waiting
to enrich you.
It also has thorns that
pierce, and dragons
to devour you.
Step carefully, my child,
sometimes prize
and pain co-exist.
Your passions may
move you, but your
reason must persist.
I knew you'd be up for it-- thanks for not disappointing! I will inform my children that piercing thorns and devouring dragons are not to be messed with.
DeleteThank you for the challenge!
DeleteGood write Diane luv your poem responses, have a nice weekend
ReplyDeleteMuch love...
Thanks, Gillena, and happy carnival season to you!
ReplyDeleteLove the last line, Diane!
ReplyDelete"Devils have no need of courage.
Angels could not exist without it." Perfect!
Thank you, Bridget!
ReplyDelete