John Singer Sargent, Autumn on the River, 1889
Oil on Canvas
Out of the Picture
John was always painting
Violet: at her breakfast
table, on a morning walk,
while resting en bateau.
No Madame X yet hardly
too impressionable, she
could safely be let to drift
en plein air, on a tide gentle
as his hand on the canvas,
her body draped in the brown
blanket he'd doubly folded
as ward against another chill
greeting for the unconcealed.
She was secure in her cocoon
of furs black as a mourning
coat, her gaze forever fixed
on her anchor, her big brother
close if just out of the picture.
© 2013 Maureen E. Doallas
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This poem responds to today's prompt at Tess Kincaid's Magpie Tales. Go here to read other contributions to the prompt or to drop the link to your own poem or flash fiction.
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7 comments:
I like that you made us focus on a person out of the frame - adds to the air of mystery...
She does look like Violet...very much enjoyed...have you read "Strapless" by Deborah Davis?
Yes, you took this prompt to a new level...as if part of the painting is missing.
LIKE!!!!
Oh my your really poured out their closeness in such a lovely gentle telling way. So much more in depth than how I told this day!
Your poem inspired me to look up the artist to learn more about him.
what a lovely and elegant poem, Maureen--so visual and beautifully crafted...xj p.s. book is out--let me know when your copy comes-- and what you think! love-- j
Maureen, I enjoyed your poem very much. Quite lovely!
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