Sam Kauffman Poet Free verse

Black and White

Black and White – 3-18-24
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Black and White

Black and white come in focus -
Absent of prime –
A slice of life exposed through the lens,
A flash-dance of story, a masquerade ball.

No sunrise of sepia - clouds absent of platinum,
Lavender drained from lilacs, sky robbed of blue,
Red-orange stolen from sunsets.

Spindrift frozen like frost,
Candlelight shines undimmed and eternal,
Stark either or – life or not -
In shadows, snow or mountaintops,
Ghosts on boughs of ebony wear gossamer.

Wrinkles and lines banished from smiles of youth
While the lens loves some visages
As eyes without color look back from albums.
Positive to negative.  Negative to positive.
Photoplay in wedding smiles or tears of a clown

Moments of the soul held in tenderness
Protected in scrapbooks of black and white.

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Susan Ashley April 19, 2024 at 8:07 AM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, it's such a joy to revisit and relish your poetic artistry once again. I'm thrilled to share the podium with you, my sweet poetry sis. My heartiest congratulations to you for your excellent placement in Craig's contest. Your exceptional talent continues to reveal itself like the unfurling of a rose in bloom. Warmest wishes sent on lilac breezes.. ~Susan

Richard Lamoureux March 25, 2024 at 9:54 PM My pleasure Sam. I appreciate your visit as well.

Anonomus Scorpio March 25, 2024 at 5:57 PM Not only is it a gift to read such a beautiful verse. It actually caused me to bring out some of my grandmothers old black and white photo albums. Relatives I never knew, yet parts of my face; exist in theirs. The greater present is your encouragement! With all my respect. A.S.

W J Clarke March 25, 2024 at 10:13 AM Congratulations on your placement Sam. I love the treasured priceless memories and moments captured in a humble scrapbook. It was lovely to receive such a warm encouraging comment from you once again. Thank you very much. I also consider it a great pleasure to be listed with such a gifted and talented poet :-)

Charlotte Puddifoot March 22, 2024 at 2:31 PM i always enjoy your poems, and this is an excellent one, every word and line considered and placed to perfection - congrats on your placement in craig's contest! Sam Kauffman March 26, 2024 at 11:18 AM Hi Charlotte, your lovely message brought me such joy! Thank you! I do love the process of writing poetry, looking for words, thinking about how to combine them, being inspired by them. PS Soup, the contests and reading poetry like yours has taught me so much and I am so grateful! I know I am in for a special poetic treat when I get to read your poems. Sending you my gratitude and blessings!!

Ink Empress March 22, 2024 at 11:31 AM Dear samszy, such a descriptive and beautiful poem that flows with so many artistic lines! I love the opening and also how youve depicted black and white in various ways. Brilliant use of colors and imagery. I especially loved “ No sunrise of sepia - clouds absent of platinum, Lavender drained from lilacs, sky robbed of blue, Red-orange stolen from sunsets.“ breathtaking! And the last line is soulful. Scrapbooks with black and whites, memories within pages. Evocative! Congratulations. Love this

Paige Hind March 20, 2024 at 5:10 PM Gorgeous writing, Sam...this was cutting to my heart. I could feel yours. What imagery- "Spindrift frozen like frost, Candlelight shines undimmed and eternal, Stark either or – life or not - In shadows, snow or mountaintops, Ghosts on boughs of ebony wear gossamer." WOW. Sam Kauffman March 26, 2024 at 11:08 AM Hi Paige, thank you so much. I really had fun with this theme thinking about the multitude of ways to go with it. The beauty of black and white photographs finally won out! So happy it spoke to your heart! Blessings fo Holy Week to you!

Valsa George March 19, 2024 at 9:22 PM The black and white images caught in the lens of an old camera....evoke nostalgic memories! You have aptly illustrated the charm and beauty of black-and-white photos devoid of color. Even now I prefer to have black and white photos. "No sunrise of sepia - clouds absent of platinum, Lavender drained from lilacs, sky robbed of blue, Red-orange stolen from sunsets." What splendid imagination! Your stream of thoughts and word choices are excellent, dear Sam. Into my FAVE Sam Kauffman March 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM Dearest Valsa, your lovely feedback is like the joy of finding and sharing old photos with a friend! There is so much emotion in black and white phots. I especially love the work of Ansel Adams who seemed to capture the soul of Yosemite National Park in his superb black and white photos. Thank you for your fav - a wonderful honor. I am so happy this poem spoke to you! Sending you my gratitude and Holy Week blessings!

Richard Lamoureux March 19, 2024 at 6:41 PM This “Black and White” is not so black and white. A most enjoyable read. Much to ponder in your words Sam. Blessings Richard. Sam Kauffman March 24, 2024 at 9:34 AM I totally agree, Richard. Seems like we live most of our lives outside absolutes and in the many hues in between black and white! So happy you enjoyed this poem. Sending you my thanks for your visit and blessings for you!

Susan Ashley March 19, 2024 at 5:55 PM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, your golden pen captures the mystique of old black and white photos with beautiful wistful imagery and poetic finesse. I adore your topic for this contest expressed in your creative style that captivates my imagination. I like to imagine what it was like, for the people or the places, in the long-ago-moments such photos were taken.. and I like to wonder what became of these people and places. Your last two lines are a grand finale to a great piece! Warmest wishes on a rainbow of color.. ~Susan Sam Kauffman March 22, 2024 at 10:07 AM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend your beautiful message was like experiencing the joy of finding a lost photograph! Thank you for bringing that joy into a new focus! I, too, love to look at old photographs from times past and wonder of the people, places and life - to hold time in our hands. Your thought filled and thoughtful feedback always comes straight from your heart and is a special gift that I treasure! Thank you! Sending you blessings of colorful joy!

Kim Rodrigues March 19, 2024 at 10:57 AM The theft of colors, as if taken from a canvas…love the ending! Blessings, Sam! Sam Kauffman March 22, 2024 at 10:23 AM Hi Kim! Even though I love photos with color, so much is expressed in black and white like the photos of Ansel Adams! Thank you for your always thoughtful notes. Blessings as we enter Holy Week!