Step into the world of Ekphrastic poetry with these sample excerpts from my recent publication,
“The Clandestine Life of Paintings and Poetry”
Step into the world of Ekphrastic poetry with these sample excerpts from my recent publication,
“The Clandestine Life of Paintings and Poetry”
Marrakesh Burro
based on a photo by Robin Gabbert
White nose, donkey,
hooves, like saddle shoes.
He hauls baggage on blankets
over cobblestones.
Lives his life as a courier.
Wonders,
if he'll ever get to dance…
Night Vision
based on images from a dream and a painting by Collin Bogle
Now I lay me down to sleep.
It isn't long before I dream.
The shadows move, the mist is deep.
The forest wanders by the stream.
I see a wolf through dark of night –
his eyes are gold, and gleam of green.
I stop and wonder at the sight
of forces moving ‘neath his sheen.
What supernatural beast is this
that haunts me in my wooded sleep?
Why do I wish to part the mist
to stroke his fur so gray and deep?
Though groggy still, I walk toward
the lupine pelt I wish to touch.
His eyes of amber pull me forward,
cloak held fast my breathing hushed,
It seems that all my will is gone,
I move as though I'm hypnotized.
But nothing I can do is wrong,
no thing too great a sacrifice.
I sleep, so deep, till Dawn is here.
I know there's nothing now to fear.
Awake in my soft forest bed.
Gray pillow lies beneath my head.
Adelita Dreams
based on a painting by Jose Martinez
Young girl draped with a belt of bullets
also embraced by a strand of pearls,
perhaps, from a loving father?
Close your eyes
and think of simpler days
when your problem was boys
pulling your long chocolate-colored braids
or stealing your sombrero.
Think of your dreams
just starting to reflect
in heavy eyelids, rumble deep in
soul and stomach, making you
want to smile, lick your lips.
The stars sprinkle the sky like sugar.
If only you could be stirred
into the dark coffee night and disappear.
Final Breath
after an artwork of the same name by Cade Burkhammer
Eyes closed in death
face of an angel, halo of feather
Embraced by a loving woman
Both pale faced, divine
Do you lay in snow or on a cloud?
Does the wind hold you,
suspend you in this moment?
Mother, tribal witch, or Mother Mary
comes to witness your passing.
She holds your face so tenderly—
if only her breath, her sweet kiss, could bring you back
if only—
But now, flashes before her eyes,
scattered dreams, untamed nightmares
that cannot be changed
that cannot be cured.
All she can do now, is hold you–
Caring caress. Gentle embrace.
She will stay until
they make her go.
