"Cat Lying in front of a Bouquet of Flowers" (1919) by Suzanne Valadon [1865-1938].
artist paints her cat
she keeps up
a one-way conversation
'til a plaintive
meow lets her know
it's time
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
"Self Portrait" (1909) by Susan S. Watkins [1875-1913].
painting a self-portrait
great seriousness
or a smile
her internal dialog
over which one is
the least deceitful
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
Karen Edmisten* will be playing hostess with the mostess for this week's Poetry Friday Round-Up.
These are beautiful! I love how you can evoke so much in just a few lines. I've tried a few cherita and have found it is much harder than you make it look!
ReplyDeleteAs my late mother always used to say, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again."
DeleteLove that painting with the cat, and it is fun to imagine just how long the 'subject' will stay. In the second, the self-portrait questioning is interesting. Her lips seem ready to smile! I love your observation, Diane.
ReplyDeleteI like the painting too, the placement of the front paws kind of looks like the cat is kneading the textile beneath it. I believe it is perfectly happy--for the moment...
Deleteboth last lines are spot on for the cherita. LOVE your take on the paintings. And, the website is amazing! Thanks for reminding me of that.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite sites to visit!
DeleteLove the art AND the cheritas, Diane! I think I know that cat. xo
ReplyDeleteEvery cat is different, yet, they are all the same. One of life's great paradoxes.
DeleteDiane, the painting your chose to create your cherita were very interesting compositions but the way your crafted your story had me rereading each poem several times to study the format. I am interested in this poetic form that flows beautifully from your pen.
ReplyDeleteI always write my cherita one line, two lines, three lines, but cherita may also be written 3-2-1, 1-3-2, 2-3-1, 3-1-2, 2-1-3!
DeleteBoth delightful, Diane. Looking forward to more ekphrastic cheritas!
ReplyDeleteI've got some ready for the next two Fridays! I'm on a roll.
DeleteYou captured the captive cat perfectly. And I like your questioning in the second cherita. Beautiful art, thanks Diane!
ReplyDeleteQuestions are always fun!
DeleteBoth poems capture the subject so well, Diane...thank you for sharing the cherita form, as you've reminded me I need to tackle it one of these days!
ReplyDeleteThere are certain forms that people naturally are attracted to, perhaps cherita is not your form? I can list a whole bunch of forms that I'll never tackle!
DeleteFun to read your self-portrait poem after the one Ruth shared!
ReplyDelete(You are rocking the ekphrastic cheritas! Collection? Publication?)
I love ekphrasis because it's always a way to be original without having to come up with a topic on your own.
DeleteI'll check out the Athenaeum. Cheritas are hard! But you make them look easy ... the sign of a master!
ReplyDeleteI love how you have your lady in the hat struggling with her own facial expression. Your poem gives her so much personality.
ReplyDelete