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About This Poem
The Painting
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The art gallery was deserted as I wandered the rooms
Contemplating quietly alone and peacefulness was mine
Stopping at a painting of a lone woman, I gazed at her face
Eyes that looked sad, much like mine and as I looked, I wished
She looked so heavenly but she wore her deep sadness
I could feel her pain, O, if I could but step within the frame
And in a blink, I was transported and was within the painting
I looked out at myself, a girl with sad and fathomless seeking eyes
My gown within the frame was quite lovely, soft and rich
A forest green velvet creation with white lace peaking out
I sat on a gilded chair and on my lap lay a white mink fur coat
My hand stroked the fur in my sadness, it seems I was going outside
Behind me was a window view of a frozen lake and stark trees
Storm clouds gathering in the sky, I shivered, the year was 1817
I felt elegant, my hair falling in waves, cascading down to my waist
But the deep sadness within my soul was overwhelming, tears flowing
I was a girl, so vintage in her style with sleek long hair
Standing in the gallery, in front of the painting of the lone woman
Slowly, I walked away but the sadness within my soul still remained
And I knew forever and ever that this painting would haunt my days
Written by Constance La France
October 28, 2012
Narrative
Inspired by the painting Henriette Le Moine (1817)
Painted by Theophile Hamel
National Gallery of Canada
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