Laurentine G Poet Ekphrasis

Inspired by Green Tea by Leonora Carrington

when the plug is pulled
some of us will drain
others remain tethered
left contorting in pain

I wonder in earnest
how else we adhere
there are clues in the dirt
and the dead stares of the deer

white space in the sky
promised us room
but all spaces are full
so we wait in our tombs

the dogs persist milking
their devilish deeds
whilst salvation diminishes
due to miniaturised steeds

there are cages and castles
a whole skyscaped procession
but I'm too deeply entrenched
for detour or digression

out on the lawn
(in the absence of storms)
the answers are spelled out
in finely topiarised forms

with brushing and patience
I untangle and re-knot my tresses
to wear in plain sight
my shielding headdresses

I do cast a shadow
not all of us do
though the odds are against me
and my chances are few

transmutation circled
yet I still toe the line
persisting inexplicably 
in search of my kind

I cannot be hurried 
though birds fall and are sinking
please do not disturb me
I'm thinking, I'm thinking

I idle alone
draped in assorted skins
I'd lay bear traps for thoughts
rather than welcome them in

I trust in the safety 
of being part of the herd
a friesian pelt promises
reality is deferred

mapped from this spot
is a three-step transition
stand, fall then rot
I won't break with tradition

there must be logic
to aciniform wrapping
I'd figure it out
but I'm too peaceful napping

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MaxOp's Lyricism March 30, 2026 at 6:47 PM Nice thought stimulating writing, interesting. Congratulations!

Sara Kendrick March 21, 2026 at 12:29 PM Congratulations on your winning work in Brian's contest. Way to go. Sara K Laurentine G March 22, 2026 at 5:14 AM Thank you Sara for your kind words :)

David Kavanagh March 20, 2026 at 9:58 AM How much higher can you set the bar, as high as it goes I’m guessing, I’m still tripping on this winning piece, was never in doubt, congratulations on another well deserved trophy, cheers David Laurentine G March 20, 2026 at 10:46 AM :) this was one I put a lot of effort into and whilst still probably on the outer edges of niche, it is nice to know a select few get my surreal twists and turns - thank you for tuning into my poetry with such precision, I appreciate it :)

Tom Cunningham March 20, 2026 at 12:43 AM You have an amazing talent LG, to glean so much from a painting. I appreciate art but you take it to another level . Enjoy your weekend. Tom Laurentine G March 20, 2026 at 1:44 AM Thank you so much Tom! It's like a fun word association game, training the eye on different sections of a painting and hoping it all comes together as a theme at the end :) I'm honoured to get such a lovely comment from you - thank you :)

David Kavanagh March 18, 2026 at 7:21 AM Outstanding interpretational piece LG, a total trip, no LSD needed, penultimate stanza is existentially powerful, but then again the whole Ekphrasis is an absolute masterclass in poetic technique, all topiarised to perfection ,you really deserve a peaceful nap after writing this one, and even have that angle covered with those bear traps you have set, Too good! A Fave from Dave! Laurentine G March 18, 2026 at 7:59 AM Thanks Davy :) I worked hard on this one trying to pull out all the imagery - Carrington's art is fascinating - however I think the award might have to go to your comment! I shall indeed go and have a nap, I feel all faint lol :) thank you for the fave and the support :)