Marc Chagall, The Promenade, 1917-18
Oil on Cardboard, 67" x 72"
The State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg
© Artists Rights Society, New York/ADAGP, Paris
Mother Russia
Her skirt cut loose, Bella spins
in his widening sky of cubes
and circles, his flag and anchor
now that he dare not look back
to Vitebsk's pale domed crown.
The bells that called the faithful
to communion sound of what is
forever past but binds them still.
This day they taste of redder wine,
make light in a sapphire meadow
spread with the scarlet bouquet
he offers with arm aloft, so open.
Love pays its price in what is given
up and also gained: that blue bird
in hand soon to sing their hymn
of joy and praise to Mother Russia.
© 2013 Maureen E. Doallas
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This poem is my offering for today's photo prompt at Tess Kincaid's Magpie Tales. Go here to read others' contributions or to drop the link to your own poem or flash fiction.
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10 comments:
Very nice ... enjoyed the bits of history you incorporated in the poem.
Ochen horosho!
Enjoyed this...I think Marc and Bella would too...
Poetry and history - remarkably erudite. Nice.
I really enjoyed the spread of times gone by and the site of redder wine,
and sapphire meadow.
What a telling line - love pays it's price in what is given up and also gained.
Could only be written by one who has been there, done that...
Love all the colors, Maureen.
Love that you have put this painting in historical context within the poem ... it's beautiful!
I love how you included Bella in your poem! A poem and art lesson all in one!
I found the history of this couple to be quite interesting as well.
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