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Melancholy - Edvard Munch

Inspired by oil painting, Melancholy by Edvard Munch in 1891. Viewing the painting will help make sense of the poem. The sediment courses with questionable energy, murky and conspiratorial Goading me, asking if I'm made of stone The sea eyes me suspiciously, already knowing how this ends But I don't care to return the glance Did the sky sink or did my mood drag it down? There is no movement, the air is stagnant I stare into nothingness and find nothing You move away from me, even in my mind Though I picture you again and again Each time the vision more abstract But the feeling more intense The push and pull, wearing me away I hold my head in my hand There is a weight to this mood That only rock beaten by the elements can understand The thoughts silently abrasing with a soothing certainty That promises an end to the mood Poetically becoming the sand As time slips away 1st Place Open Poetry 6 Poetry Contest 10th April 2023 Sponsored by: Charlotte Puddifoot

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Craig Cornish

Date: 5/1/2023 6:38:00 AM

Excellent penning here

Di11y Da11y
Date: 5/1/2023 6:42:00 AM

Thank you Craig :)

Ann Peck

Date: 4/30/2023 9:12:00 AM

Dear DD, I googled the two paintings of the same subject by Munch, who was part of a triangle along with his wife and a reporter. Your portrayal as Munch truly captures the angst he must have felt. Your poems are wonderful, Dilly. I look forward to reading them! Congratulations on POTD!

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/30/2023 9:19:00 AM

Do you know something I don't Ann? Don't think it's POTD. Thank you for your kind words, I've really enjoyed writing these and have done quite a few now :) lovely to hear you look forward to them :)

Susan Ashley

Date: 4/23/2023 8:31:00 AM

Dear Dilly, the textured atmospheric mood and melancholic beauty of your verse takes my breath away! The imagery is striking and the metaphors are rich. A dynamic and dramatic masterwork, my friend, and well-deserved of a trophy win in Brian's contest. Congratulations! Though inspired by Edvard Munch's painting "Melancholy" this poem stands on its own. Your last seven lines are ingenious and a grand finale to an exquisite piece. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/23/2023 8:38:00 AM

Thank you so much Susan, your comments are always a gift - beautiful in their own right. Thank you so much for your kind words :)

Joanna Daniel

Date: 4/23/2023 2:34:00 AM

This is deserving that trophy, DD, well described in a few words the essence of the painting:) congratulations:)

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/23/2023 2:53:00 AM

Thanks Jo, I did quite a bit of wading around in the painting to capture everything I could fine to pick out all layers of the mood depicted. Thanks for your kind words :)

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 4/23/2023 1:10:00 AM

Amazing writing. Just love it. I'm not a fan of the painting, but am a fan of your words. God bless you always, AND A big Congratulations. Love, Gina

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/23/2023 1:12:00 AM

Haha thanks Gina :)

Valsa George

Date: 4/21/2023 8:51:00 PM

Hearty Congratulations DD on your trophy win. I don't know anything about Munch, nor of his painting , but I looked up in google and saw the painting and I can now tell you have done an excellent job.

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/21/2023 10:17:00 PM

Thank you Valsa, they are certainly an acquired taste. I wouldn't have one on the wall but they are fun to explore through poetry

Speaks Volumes

Date: 4/21/2023 12:50:00 PM

Congratulations on a fine Win DD. I don't even remember reading this one, somehow missed it, Its a terrific poem.

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/21/2023 12:52:00 PM

Haha can't remember if it was just before or just after my plank of wood poet reclining one that you liked so much :D

Sam Kauffman

Date: 4/21/2023 10:20:00 AM

Even the sea is a portrait of "stagnant!" Congratulations on your first place win DD with this dynamic poem filled with your wonderful imagery!!! This is a fav for me. You have so wonderfully captured "melancholy!" I do love your ekphrasis. Blessings.

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/21/2023 10:28:00 AM

Thanks for your continued support Sam! :)

Brian Sambourne

Date: 4/21/2023 8:51:00 AM

You've certainly captured the brooding presence of Munch's painting. Congratulations on a stellar write! Sincerest regards, Brian

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/21/2023 8:53:00 AM

Thank you Brian, much appreciated :)

C.W. Bryan

Date: 4/21/2023 8:20:00 AM

Really beautiful!

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/21/2023 8:32:00 AM

Thanks Corey :D

Suzette Richards

Date: 4/21/2023 7:51:00 AM

Congratulations, DD, on your 1st place win with this superb Ekphrastic poem. :)

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/21/2023 8:00:00 AM

Thanks Suzette :) I'm delighted :)

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 4/21/2023 7:41:00 AM

i think this is a superb ekphrasis; it caught my attention amongst all the other entries, and is a very thought provoking piece; i particularly liked how you ended the poem - congrats on your 1st place win in my contest!

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/22/2023 1:56:00 PM

Wow Charlotte - I've just had a read through your poems - amazing!

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/21/2023 7:45:00 AM

Thank you so much Charlotte! I was pleased with the ending. Ekphrasis are funny to write as they almost come from another place because you get so absorbed in the painting. I'm delighted to get 1st place :)

Paul Willason

Date: 4/10/2023 7:09:00 PM

Would like to think there was some resolution to the melancholic mood of the subject, the landscape pressing in. Caught the painting well. With Munch, he will hardly give you a deliriously happy theme. Do like how you have pulled it all together...a like.

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/10/2023 11:12:00 PM

Thank you, yes - the happy ending is just end of suffering. I have done loads of miserable paintings - I really enjoy being able to go OTT without the embarrassment of talking about myself. Thanks for taking the time to comment

Mark Toney

Date: 4/10/2023 9:36:00 AM

You nailed it!

Mark Toney
Date: 4/10/2023 9:50:00 AM

Then you might like to "Munch on This," my riddle poem. (copy & paste) https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/munch_on_this_1200366

Di11y Da11y
Date: 4/10/2023 9:41:00 AM

Thank you, I do love spending a bit of time with Edvard :)