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April 7, 2014

Ekphrastic Monday Poem #1

Last year, for National Poetry Month, I posted an ekphrastic poem each Monday in April. I decided to celebrate with ekphrasis again this year. Next year, I'll be able to call April's Ekphrastic Mondays an annual event!

I'm going to start with a delightful painting by the Austrian artist, Adolf Humborg (1847 - 1921). It is titled "Feline Companion," and being a huge, cat lover, it spoke to me of the light that a feline friend can bring into one's life.

Click on the image to enlarge for easier reading. © Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. Painting, courtesy The Athenaeum.

15 comments:

  1. I wouldn't normally think of monks in a heartwarming context, but now I must. Thank you for telling this story, Diane.

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    1. You are welcome, but it's all because of the art. Adolf Humborg did a bunch of monk paintings and the ones I've seen have all been warm and/or jolly!

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  2. Hi, Diane. "Those who choose/to be reclusive" -- good point. I often work from home and my dog is a great companion, who chases away the devil of loneliness.

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    1. And some pesky cats I know, demand attention, so there's not much opportunity for loneliness when I'm writing.

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  3. This monk looks on with love to his companion. We should all have someone to love.

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  4. I didn't know the word "monk" came from 'monos'-of course. I enjoyed this, accompanying the painting is just right-contentment. Thanks, Diane.

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    1. I also didn't know, but I found out when I briefly researched monastic society.

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  5. Tabby
    Sips of the love
    Spirit and soul alike
    Who knew such a relationship
    Would work

    Much love...

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    1. Ah, but I'm glad it did! Thanks for your contribution, Gillena!

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  6. What a great painting. Everyone needs someone. And cats seem the perfect match for a monastery.

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    1. Right now, I'm not happy with a certain little cat who attempted to jump onto my shoulder and ended up hanging from my sweater by two claws. Fortunately we animals ended up unharmed, but the sweater was not so lucky.

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    2. The other day, our lovebird ran across my husband's birthday cake and then climbed up my sweater with her frosting-covered feet. Ack!

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  7. Very sweet painting, and your poem was a perfect accompaniment!

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  8. What a heartwarming painting. Your words bring a "human" dimension to the austere image of monastic life I usually have.

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