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A Blank Canvas Becomes a Masterpiece

Looking close at the blank canvas. Impressions he wanted displayed. Stroking slow and moving his brush an image came forth from Monet. Laying dormant all of Her life. Her moment in time had arrived. The feelings She felt from within were delicate strokes brushed by him. They were gentle and soft to feel and made Her love all the more real. She was sad to feel him finish as Her tears fell and relinquished. He assured her he'd never leave and in Her Heart She felt relieved. In completion of Her He saw His Masterpiece hung on His wall. Michael Tor I asked my Lord Jesus to help in writing. Inspired by my late father Rene, a hobby Painter and Sculpturer. Also inspired by John Watt and his PoemThat Starry Night a Poem about Vincent Van Gogh.

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Susan Ashley

Date: 9/12/2022 6:34:00 PM

Dear Michael, your poem is masterfully crafted and Monet is one of my most favorite artists. How intimate the relationship is between the painter and his subject (especially if the subject is the painter's beloved) and between the painter and the canvas as the artist brings the blank slate to life, influencing the mood and soul of the piece through form and color, satisfying the need for expression. I adore how your "blank canvas becomes a masterpiece"! I enjoyed the note of your sources of exceptional inspiration.. your late father must be looking down from above proud of your beautiful poetic expression. I know John has been an exquisite inspiration to me. Belated congratulations for your POTD honors, such a rich and worthy choice! Warmest wishes, my wonderful friend.. ~Susan

Michael Tor
Date: 9/13/2022 1:30:00 AM

Susan your words are so touching and appreciated. My father Rene passed last year on the 16th of September shortly coming up. He loved painting and had many paintings for his collection. I miss seeing him involved in a painting. John Watt has a passion for Painters and his latest Poem relating to Painting received 1st prize in a contest. I admire John for something we both love and that is art and the individuals that create it on a canvas. Monet is my favorite also Susan. My mom had many of his prints. I grew up looking at them. Thank you for your comments Susan they are special because they come from you. God bless you and thank you again...

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 9/12/2022 7:38:00 AM

A canvas comes alive with deft strokes from a master, as words flow from a master writer. :) Linda

Michael Tor
Date: 9/13/2022 1:31:00 AM

Linda you're too kind. Thank you for much appreciated words. I am glad you like the Poem... God bless you...

Eve Roper

Date: 9/5/2022 7:06:00 AM

Beautiful verse, Michael. I can see the brushes and canvas becoming sad when their master lays them down and not finish the master piece. Many blessings my friend.

Michael Tor
Date: 9/5/2022 8:04:00 PM

Thank you Eve your words ring true. The canvas was brought to life by Monet's creation through his strokes. A blank canvas just sits dormant of void until it is painted and becomes an image giving it beauty, purpose, significance, admiration. In a way becoming alive for others to enjoy and see and feel. The duality meaning was the canvas being brought to life and created and the other was Monet's wife Camille who the Painting was and both the canvas and his wife felt their emotions through Monet's strokes, also reflecting intimate touch. Thank you Eve for your visit and inspiring comment...

John Watt

Date: 9/4/2022 2:15:00 PM

Dear Michael, I'm just now getting caught up and was so happy to see this tribute to your father Rene and Monet and his wife. Love your imagery of a blank canvas becoming a masterpiece. Their love for one another is so evident in your writing. I especially loved the lines "The feelings She felt from within were delicate strokes brushed by him." Thank you for the kind nod; I'm very touched to know my writing helped inspire these thoughts, but the credit is due entirely to you and your evocative words. God bless you Michael, for honoring art and artists with your powerful words. Heartfelt congratulations for your POTD, my friend. Blessings ~ John

Michael Tor
Date: 9/6/2022 2:59:00 AM

Your welcome John...

John Watt
Date: 9/5/2022 9:40:00 PM

Thank you for the expansive reply and referral, Michael. You have done a lot of Van Gogh reading... thanks for sharing!

Michael Tor
Date: 9/4/2022 7:33:00 PM

If anyone hasn't read The Starry Night by John Watt I encourage you to do so. It is a magnificent read.

Michael Tor
Date: 9/4/2022 7:25:00 PM

John one more interesting fact that I found intriguing. Was that Vincent had a friend that stayed with him another Famous Painter. It is rumored they got into a fight and his friend was the one that cut his ear and Vincent avoiding to get him in trouble told the authorities he had done it to himself. If that is the case you realize the kind of human being he was. Always caring for others. What I have shared with you I am sure you already know John. Thank you again John for your Creative Genius in writing. You are my friend in that Special group of Poets that are recognized here on The Soup. Enjoy your holiday and to see your comment was another inspiration by you. God bless you and all who you love...

Michael Tor
Date: 9/4/2022 7:19:00 PM

He wanted to do God's work and preach the Word of God but they turned him away. He did not give up though, and went to the worst area where other preachers did not want to go and preach to the poor. He was successful for a while, until out of the kindness of his heart he let a more unfortunate woman live in his home, giving up his home for her, and living among the street dwellers. That did not go over with the Clergy and once again he was told to leave. They said he was a bad representation of the image of the Church. The man was a true Saint that succumbed to alcohol to escape from all who sadly rejected him. His brother Theo was all he had left, and upon Vincent's death, Theo was devastated and died six months later sadly from syphilis.

Michael Tor
Date: 9/4/2022 7:08:00 PM

What I learned about him was some of the verses you used in your Poem, reflecting so much truth in your writing. He had a terribly sad life, always looking to be loved, starting from his mother who rejected him, because of her first son being born deceased. When he shot himself and was dying, his final words were," The Sadness Will Last Forever." It sums up his whole life. He was always rejected.

Michael Tor
Date: 9/4/2022 6:58:00 PM

John your Poetry is always an inspiration to read. When I read That Starry Night you wrote, it really brought back emotions and thoughts and visualizations of My father Rene. Like you, He had a passion for Art, Paintings, Painters, and Artists. When reading your Spectacular Poetry on Vincent Van Gogh, I sensed your understanding of the man and his incredible talent to paint. Your Poetry gave us insights into what he went through and what he was in depth. It clearly showed you had read and was well informed of his life, putting together like he did with his paintings, a Masterpiece in Poetry reflecting him and his Artistic contributions to the World. Seeing and reading all this I wanted to research Vincent Van Gogh.

Harry Horsman

Date: 9/3/2022 10:57:00 PM

Hi Michael, i'm so late here, to read this wonderful dedication, in fact a masterpiece itself. Congratulations on POTD so richly deserved. Harry

Michael Tor
Date: 9/4/2022 12:26:00 AM

Harry thank you so much for your thoughtful comments my friend. I wanted to tell you I read your Poetry on Dr Shipman for the contest. It was one of my top favorites between you and Milton's. I really enjoyed reading both yours and Milton's. Much, much better than mine. Both you and Milton's. You should enter more contests. I used to enter them but I like writing now more than competing. Thank you for stopping by. You are never late my friend, any time to comment is a good time and I appreciate your effort. God bles you Harry and I will stop and see your current Poetry...

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 9/3/2022 10:10:00 PM

The arts all blend in so well together, art, music, poetry, and dance. An artist is able to capture all on canvas with a brush and colors in so many different images. I enjoyed reading your POTD honored poem Michael. Congratulations my friend. It is very deserving. Blessings xxoo

Michael Tor
Date: 9/3/2022 10:33:00 PM

Hi Connie have you heard from Andrea? I hope she is doing well. She turned off her comment section because of her Husband's accident, I hope she is doing OK. I was going to take a break but it is hard to be away from The Soup. Thank you for your kind words Connie. I hope you are doing well. I know you were taking some time off. It will be nice when you come back but I understand your health comes first. God bless you and thank you for making time to read...xoxo

Robert Lindley

Date: 9/3/2022 5:20:00 PM

I see now, just how forgetful this old and very tired brain can be. This second read gave me so much more to see , imagine and ponder. Art, beauty, poetry and essence of the human heart on great poetic display. A gem.. God bless..

Michael Tor
Date: 9/3/2022 10:44:00 PM

To share all the information. You did not leave anything out. Your passion and dedication was shown there. You are in that Special class of Poets. God bless you and thank you again Robert for coming back my friend.... It is always my pleasure to have you here, reading...

Michael Tor
Date: 9/3/2022 10:40:00 PM

Hey Robert, you got it my friend. Glad you came back to read. It is always better to read over. I sometimes miss an ingredient of a poem if I just quickly read through it. I am glad you saw in it what you might have missed. You have written some wonderful Poetry, and you would know. So glad to see you Posting and sharing. Robert I remember reading, I believe a research paper you did. It was incredibly thorough, your research on either the Poet's writings or the Poet himself. It took me an hour to go through it all. It was an incredible effort on your part.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 9/3/2022 5:07:00 PM

Loved reading the comment about your dad. Congratulations on POTD!

Michael Tor
Date: 9/3/2022 10:46:00 PM

Thank you Kim. He was a good man. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I really appreciate you doing so. God bless you and I will be stopping by to read your Poetry...

Sotto Poet

Date: 9/3/2022 9:15:00 AM

That she is "His Masterpiece, and he'd never desert her" is a lovely and comforting thought to hold. This is both stunningly beautiful and deeply moving. Your words encircle my heart and caress it softly. It appears that you have drawn inspiration from many different places for this Masterpiece. We'd like to congratulate Michael on having his poem chosen as today's Poem of the Day. All my best wishes are with you. Regards

Michael Tor
Date: 9/3/2022 2:28:00 PM

Lasaad your kind words humble me coming from you. Your Poetry is truly amazing. Your passion is always demonstrated, in your writings. Like Andrea Dietrich, and Milton Hankings, you have the ability to be creative every single day. Which to me is an incredible feat. I consider you to be in that category of Exceptional Poets. I admire those and others who are in this category. The effort you and they make is mind boggling. I don't consider myself to be in this special category of great Poets. I thank you for your generous words my friend. I also encourage everyone to read your exceptional Poetry, there is a lot to admire. God bless you Lasaad... and thank you again...

Paul Callus

Date: 9/3/2022 7:17:00 AM

This is a touching poem which was born from combined inspiration, Michael. Congratulations on p.o.t.d. award. ~ Regards // paul

Michael Tor
Date: 9/3/2022 2:30:00 PM

Thank you Paul. Your words I much appreciate. Enjoy the rest of the weekend my friend and God bless you...

William Darnell Sr.

Date: 9/3/2022 12:48:00 AM

Hello, Micheal! I cannot remember the last time I read something so beautiful, and pure. It is a well-composed piece, I mean that, candidly. Congratulations on POTD. Eloquently written. A Fav, now! Best of Wishes, William

Michael Tor
Date: 9/3/2022 2:31:00 PM

William thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate your comment. God bless you and I will stop by to read your latest Poetry...

Thompson Emate

Date: 9/2/2022 10:01:00 PM

This is a beautiful masterpiece. Congratulations on it being POTD.

Michael Tor
Date: 9/2/2022 10:48:00 PM

Thank you Thompson your words are too kind, and are well appreciated. God bless you, my friend...

Deb M

Date: 9/2/2022 8:02:00 PM

Oh my Michael…..what a beautifully unique poem …..so very cleverly penned! It was touching, felt peaceful and full of love! Congratulations on POTD…..so well deserved! Debx

Michael Tor
Date: 9/2/2022 10:47:00 PM

Hi Deb, thanks for stopping by and saying such nice words. I really appreciate your comments. I will have to stop by and see what you have written lately. Looking forward to it, and again I thank you for your kind words...

Panagiota Romios

Date: 9/2/2022 6:52:00 PM

Good evening, Michael. So thrilled to see you be honored with your touching poem. I found it unique, quite original and moving! Congratulations, Pangie xx

Michael Tor
Date: 9/2/2022 7:19:00 PM

Hi Pangie, thank you so much for your kind and generous words. I appreciate your observation. I worked on it all night making corrections and posting. I am a big fan of Monet. He is one of my favorite painters. Thank you again for your words. God bless you...

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 9/2/2022 6:43:00 PM

an artist can do amazing things when he puts the brush and the heart on canvass Michael, beautiful as a picture

Michael Tor
Date: 9/2/2022 6:50:00 PM

Hi Vie, your words are so true My Dear. Thank you so much for stopping by. Your input is always appreciated by me. Have a wonderful weekend and I am looking forward to reading your Poetry. God bless you...

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 9/2/2022 2:07:00 PM

This is a masterpiece Micheal, I love poems inspired by paintings. Your father also inspired this work and poet John Watt, that makes the poem extra special. Congratulations on poem of the day… Belle

Michael Tor
Date: 9/2/2022 6:12:00 PM

Hi Belle. Your words are so kind and appreciative, Thank you for stopping by. God bless you and I will be coming by to read some of your fine Poetry. Again thank you and be blessed...

Robert Lindley

Date: 9/2/2022 1:39:00 PM

Congratultions on a well deserved POTD. You asked and you obviously received help-- and that from a master. A pleasure to read my friend. A fav.. God bless...

Michael Tor
Date: 9/2/2022 6:09:00 PM

Hi Robert, thank you for taking the time and giving me feedback on my Poem. Your opinion is one that I look forward to hearing. Your skills and abilities as a writer I truly admire. Thank you for your input and the fav. God bless you hope you are well in Spirit and in Mind, and are back to writing consistently and well, like always. Again Robert thank you again my friend...

I Am Anaya

Date: 9/2/2022 1:23:00 PM

A moving piece and POTD Michael Tor!! Congratulations, I enjoyed and hope you are enjoying your day!

Michael Tor
Date: 9/2/2022 6:03:00 PM

Hello Anaya. I was up till 8am this morning and my sleep cycle is a little off. I took a nap and I hope I can get back on schedule. It is a great effort sometimes to reach out and read the Poets I follow, for there are many. I do not mind though I love to read their Poetry. I will stop by to read some of yours. I have been neglectfull. Thank you for your insightful comments Anaya, and God bless you...

Michael Tor

Date: 9/2/2022 1:08:00 PM

Thank you Poetry Soup for this high Honor. You guys make everything work on this Site and are not recognized for doing so. You are all part of this Community and family and each one of you should be recognized and thanked for your efforts. I would imagine it would be quite a feat to read so many Poems in selecting everyday. For doing so I think I can say for most of us that we are thankful for that. Thanks again and God bless each and everyone of you, for your much appreciated efforts...

Paulette Calasibetta

Date: 9/2/2022 11:33:00 AM

Beautiful….moving….a tribute to your dad and to Monet…..congratulations on your POTD! :)Paulette

Michael Tor
Date: 9/2/2022 1:03:00 PM

Hi Paulette. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. You are always a delight to read and hear from. I will be stopping by tonight to read and comment on your latest Poetry, I was up all night reading and writing lol. Going to get some rest and finish my commenting to all those that I follow. I wish I could follow more but there isn't enough hours in the day. God bless you and again thank you for stopping by.

Jeanne Mcgee

Date: 9/2/2022 9:21:00 AM

Beautifully penned Michael...you could feel the love in every word. Congrat on your potd.

Michael Tor
Date: 9/2/2022 12:59:00 PM

Hi Jeanne. Thank you so much for your kind words. It is much appreciated to know you felt the love. I wanted to convey that emotion and feeling. Hope you are well and enjoy your weekend. Thank you again for stopping by, and God bless you...

Robert Gorelick

Date: 9/2/2022 9:18:00 AM

A moving tribute to your father and the muses who inspire us. By the way, Claude Monet had his early works panned by critics, who called them "merely impressions." A genuinely misunderstood artistic genius! Congratulations on your POTD! Robert

Michael Tor
Date: 9/2/2022 10:01:00 AM

Hi Robert he was as you say. I am so impressed you are such a fan of his to know so much about him. I really admire the depth of knowledge you writers bring to this site. For me it is a wonderful learning experience to learn something new from You and all who have a passion for any subject. He was as you say " A genuinely misunderstood artistic genius!" He stood true to his form regardless of how others felt at any cost. A man who did not compromise his work and held steadfast to his form. Thank you Robert for your insightful comment that is truly appreciated by me and others that read. Blessings to you, and thank you again...

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 9/2/2022 8:58:00 AM

A gorgeous soft and sensual write Michael. Congratulations on your POTD! Linda

Michael Tor
Date: 9/2/2022 12:24:00 PM

Thank you Linda. You said one of the words that I tried to convey in their relationship and that was intimacy and sensuality. Thank you for your appreciation and kind words. God bless you...

Brandy Nicole

Date: 9/2/2022 8:33:00 AM

Such a wonderful feeling knowing, that she is... "His Masterpiece, and he'd never leave her." This is beautiful and tender, all at the same time. Your thoughts caress softly around my heart. It seems you had many inspirations for this Masterpiece of yours. Congratulations Michael, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy

Michael Tor
Date: 9/2/2022 12:19:00 PM

Hi Brandy. When I wrote this I did some research and read " The Life And Works Of Monet" by Susie Hodge. When reading the book I noticed how much Claude loved his wife Camille Doncieux and he painted her many times. She loved him and he loved her. So in the poem it is her who he creates from his love of her as he paints her and hangs her on his wall to never sell or be apart from him. His strokes are felt from him because in each stroke he feels his love for her as he is painting her, and she is feeling his love for him, as his wife, by his strokes of affection in intimate touch. Thank you Brandy for your much appreciated comment. God bless you...

L Milton Hankins

Date: 9/2/2022 7:47:00 AM

A very interesting poem in an interesting style. I felt like I was looking at that painting. Congratulations on your P.O.T.D., Michael.

Michael Tor
Date: 9/2/2022 11:52:00 AM

Milton my friend I much appreciate your insightfulness. You amaze me in your writings. Your opinion is exceptional and I highly value them. Your encouraging words mean a lot to me and I try and learn from your many forms of Poetry that you have mastered. I really admire that you can write in the many forms you do. A true Poet you are Milton and what you bring to this Community of Writers is much appreciated by many. As always you are an inspiration to read and among the very best on this site. God bless you my friend...