A Self Portrait

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Behold, oh my beloved!
Is there a hidden care
you would like to share,
with your not so gentle gaze?

Repudiating caducity,
your eyes portray
sustained excitement ~
still and restrained
whilst behind you
an arabesque of phantasmagorical
make-believe.

Behold, oh my beloved
the vortex of colours 
surrounding you
entwine a paradigm
of that starry night~
and as i look into its cosmic glow
I fall in love with you.


22 May 2022

A Briand Strand Premiere Choice Poetry Contest
6th Place

Notes:
Like Rembrandt and Goya, Vincent van Gogh often used himself as a model; he produced over forty-three self-portraits, paintings or drawings in ten years. Like the old masters, he observed himself critically in a mirror. Painting oneself is not an innocuous act: it is a questioning which often leads to an identity crisis.
( Credits: Google Arts and Culture)

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John Watt

Date: 9/5/2022 4:58:00 PM

J, I'm surprised more poets at Soup do not write ekphrasis poems, for I feel that art inspires art. That said, I am thrilled to find you have written many of them, and that we share a love for Van Gogh (in fact this same self-portrait inspired me to write my poem called 'Compose'). You have portrayed Van Gogh generously here; "an arabesque of phantasmagorical make-believe" is such a terrific description, as are "vortex of colours" and "entwine a paradigm of that starry night~". Oh, I love this so much! Definitely going in my Faves. Warmly ~ John

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 8/23/2022 6:44:00 AM

A fabulous write JCB. A poignant, emotional picture of the artist in your words. Of all his self-portraits, this is one of my favorites :)

Anitha Jayasankar

Date: 8/14/2022 11:20:00 AM

Dear Jcb, this poem sparkles just like the starry night of Van Gogh... Such lovely choice of words... Have a lovely blessed day dear friend... Hugs... ~ Ani

Constance La France

Date: 8/13/2022 1:23:00 AM

JCB, your poem is beautiful, I love Van Gogh's art also, and congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE DAY honor, blessings ~Constance

Susan Ashley

Date: 8/6/2022 7:09:00 AM

Dear JCB, your interpretation of this amazing painting creates a captivating poem. Such an insightful and adoring piece. I especially admire your second stanza of contrasts so masterfully expressed. "an arabesque of phantasmagorical make-believe" an element in the painting captured so beautifully with your words. Your last line a grand finale to this brilliant poem. Congratulations for POTD honor! A wonderful and worthy choice. Warmest wishes, my inspiring friend.. ~Susan

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 8/4/2022 2:26:00 PM

wow I can see your altruistic love for this painting ,and the man behind it, lovely write, it has great valor, :)

Sam Kauffman

Date: 6/21/2022 12:17:00 PM

Oh JCB I love your ekphrasis poems especially this one that takes us beyond the face of Van Gogh into his introspection beyond his eyes. Congratulations on your high placement on the BNP poems list! It is wonderful to see it there! Blessings!

Susan Lawrence

Date: 6/8/2022 7:49:00 AM

JC, Love this introspection and the gaze within! You have certainly captured the inner essence here. If all of these self portraits of Vincent could speak ! Imagine that! I read all of the letters Vincent and his brother Theo wrote back and forth. So much heart and questions held therein. Thank you for your comment on John's poem re my art. All the best to you, Susan :)

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 6/3/2022 12:54:00 AM

Your poetic portrait of Vincent taps into his personal uneasiness with himself. I learned a lot about him while visiting his museum in Amsterdam. Sadly he thought himself a failure. How shocked he would be today to know how beloved his paintings have become. You capture his wild spirit in this marvelous poem. I really hope Brian honors this high on his list. A Fave from me! Blessings xxoo