This is another one from my university days. I've chosen one of my mom's paintings as a companion to the poem. Titled 'Ships at Sail', the painting and the poem were created within a few years of each other. I'll be showcasing 13 of her pieces on my Thursday Thirteen this week. 
Vertical Narrative
When I was five
I looked to the heavens
Unsure of 'forever and ever
Amen'
If everyone wanted that
Ascention to paradise
Why should that lack of
Closure
Unnerve me
Why did everyone point
And ask if I could
See the face
The Man in the Moon
Why did they gather
Gazing upon canvasses of
Blobbed color
Splatters
Even holes torn
Twisted bronze
Sculpture or
Snicker
'Eraserhead'
Conundrum
How I remember that night
When two eyes
Cheeks
A smile emerged
From the lunar surface
Riddles of design
Recover from their sojourn
To the Tower of Babel
I am left reaching for
The face of Creation
Happy for now with
My stake in the
Garden of
The very
First
Morn
Poem copyright 1993 Julia Smith
Watercolor ink and sand, copyright 1995 Paulette Phillips
Monday, September 17, 2007
Poetry Train Monday - 19 - Vertical Narrative
Posted by Julia Phillips Smith at 8:48 PM
Labels: Mom, Paulette Phillips, Poem, Watercolor
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21 comments:
beautiful :)
Your mom's painting is exquisite. Your poem is lovely. I can't wait to see more of the paintings on TT.
I'm glad you like the story.
Eraserhead! Talk about your blast from the past.
Really enjoyed the poem, the way you clued in finally. And your mom's painting is neat.
Thats the kinda of stuff that make bible thumpers crazy you know ;)
I love the part about the cheeks and eyes emerging from the lunar surface. Great poem! And super painting from your mom. I'll be back on Thursday :)
Anna J. Evans
beautiful-and the painting is lovely as well.
:)
What beautiful words and a beautiful painting too!
"Riddles of design
Recover from their sojourn
To the Tower of Babel"
Awesome lines!
Gorgeous poem and I love your mom's painting!
Talented stuff you come from, Julia. Wow.
The poem's really neat, too. I've had a stressful afternoon dealing with a child (yes, my own) and sitting here reading this, I just puddled into my chair. (that's a compliment!)
I needed that. Thanks.
i love the plethora of images here. especially the superimposing of the face in the moon and the face of creation
the pic is awesome too
Wonderful. I was too sick, am too sick to participate.
Beautiful poem, and painting. I loved the part about the face in the moon.
I love all your poems, but I think this might be my favorite. It really struck a chord with me.
Your mom's painting is beautiful. Such colors! Can't wait to see more paintings on TT.
Lots of things to think about from that poem - quite ironic considering the content :)
The poem is lovely and the painting is gorgeous. I'm going to have to stop by on Thursday to see the others. There's obviously a great deal of artistic talent in the family.
Wow, what a beautiful poem -- lyrical and powerful and lovely. :)
Well I like this one too! 2 poems in one day that I like.. who knew? Lovely painting, too!
brilliant - and a lovely painting as well.
mmm, I like the descriptive words, so many images come to mind with them. And the painting was a perfect companion piece to the poem. Look forward to Thursday.
Riddles of design
Recover from their sojourn
To the Tower of Babel
Very interesting lines& a very interesting painting.
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