Monday, September 17, 2007

Poetry Train Monday - 19 - Vertical Narrative

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

21 comments:

Addicted to crafting said...

beautiful :)

Dorothy said...

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.

Lisa Andel said...

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.

Sparky Duck said...

Thats the kinda of stuff that make bible thumpers crazy you know ;)

Anna J. Evans said...

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

R.G. ALEXANDER said...

beautiful-and the painting is lovely as well.
:)

Akelamalu said...

What beautiful words and a beautiful painting too!

gautami tripathy said...

"Riddles of design
Recover from their sojourn
To the Tower of Babel"

Awesome lines!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous poem and I love your mom's painting!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

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.

Joy Renee said...

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

Amy Ruttan said...

Wonderful. I was too sick, am too sick to participate.

Ann said...

Beautiful poem, and painting. I loved the part about the face in the moon.

Anonymous said...

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.

Anne D said...

Lots of things to think about from that poem - quite ironic considering the content :)

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a beautiful poem -- lyrical and powerful and lovely. :)

Anonymous said...

Well I like this one too! 2 poems in one day that I like.. who knew? Lovely painting, too!

Flowerpot said...

brilliant - and a lovely painting as well.

Olga said...

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.

Ire said...

Riddles of design
Recover from their sojourn
To the Tower of Babel
Very interesting lines& a very interesting painting.