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Cafe Terrace at Night - Van Gogh

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tonight I will not be absorbed by the blue/black I'm in the gaslight the hum of people, protecting me, unbeknownst to them as undercurrents don't grab, for now comfort exists in surface energy within circling echoes my heart is exploding too perfect, too neat - look beyond - but I won't, not tonight peacefully anchored in a moment I feel the pull, resist it imperfection in the sky, suggesting... no. count the cobbles see the tiny arcs round and round and round hypnotised one way or the other a snap awake too cruel too surrender to right now hours stretch but always end who knows if this place, with me in it, continues tomorrow I may not fit in this space-in-time be at odds/unsettled not tonight tonight I breathe in, breathe out and take my place here

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Ink Empress

Date: 1/14/2025 1:15:00 AM

Whoa your way with interprting artwork is just beyond brilliant! I love the approach you took for this and how youv delivered it , focusing on little details in the art! I especially love the lines “ as undercurrents don't grab, for now comfort exists in surface energy” and also the opening line and “ tomorrow I may not fit in this space-in-time be at odds/unsettled” impeccable this is! Sheer eloquence! Youv nailed it as always! The queen of ekphrasis you shall remain! FAVE

Di11y Da11y
Date: 1/14/2025 1:30:00 AM

Haha when I'm setting up my fan club I'll ask you if I can use your reviews lol thank you. I did really like falling into this painting and pulling out the detail. It felt so calm and contemplative but without the faith it would last beyond that moment. Such darkness lurking. Thank you for your kind review, it's cheered me right up. Might have to score Van Gogh's work to find another to write about :)

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 10/18/2024 4:28:00 PM

I love this van Gogh picture of a Cafe. It looks like a city that is open 24/7. Your poem is perfect for this piece of art. I hope you bought it.

Di11y Da11y
Date: 10/18/2024 11:26:00 PM

It's actually Paris, so I was a bit of a chancer bringing undercurrents and anchors into it. But it felt applicable with poetic licence haha. I'm going in March, so I'll have to see whether the street coincides with my travels. I actually never purchase any of the prints of the paintings I write about. Maybe it's like tattoos, I might change my mind... Lol

David Kavanagh

Date: 10/18/2024 2:50:00 PM

I agree with Charlotte, gotta love the way your interpretation becomes engrossed almost embossed by the painting, especially those cobbles in the foreground, the arcs add a sense of 3D, was great to spend a little time in the moment you captured, a beautifully worked out piece, cheers David

Di11y Da11y
Date: 10/18/2024 11:20:00 PM

It's fun to dive right in and write from small details. Zooming in is quite peaceful generally I suppose in a lot of ways. Thank you for your kind comment :)

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 10/18/2024 1:36:00 PM

i love van gogh, and this picture is one of my faves, i used to have a print of it but it disappeared...i do enjoy your ekphrasis; your ability to jump into the picture and become a part of it is always intriguing to read

Di11y Da11y
Date: 10/18/2024 11:13:00 PM

Thank you Charlotte, it's a tranquil space to write from. Just seeing what I see in the painting and writing it without any pressure to be good or correct. Thanks for your comment, appreciated