Expression and Desire

To paint as well as a photograph is incomprehensible.
This is true for people who cannot complete such a task.
For those who do, 
it is a talent beyond treasure.
A photographic memory is enviable.
Even to perceive reality in its purest form is talent, 
something more than practical.

Looking at a painting of a woman, she is beautiful.
Beautiful in paint, beautiful in reality, there is desire for dreamers.
To dream reality, to have pure beauty at reason’s command 
is a practice and an obsession. 
Lighted from upper left, this woman stands with back toward light, 
head turned in semi profile, 
her right hand held out, and left fingers resting below her shoulder.
She wears a white silken toga with a gold clasp 
resting on her right shoulder.
Her dark red hair is pulled back into a tail 
held with a black bow, it hangs to her mid back.
Her skin could be described as pale, but holds a healthy glow, 
a perceptible color of an awareness of out of doors, but not extensive, 
not enough to show a desire for attention. 
She looks directly at the painter with her right eye, 
the other, shadowed behind an exquisite nose with a shallow curve.
Her lips are neither thin nor broad.
They are two inviting cushions owned by her assertive expression.
She is aware of artistry and sex.
She knows the difference.
The rouge of her cheek is perfect.
It is guessed whether she or another has artistically placed such color.
Draping of material, her toga and a covering, 
hanging from her right elbow and around her waist, 
is depicted in curved and gradual shadow.
Her finger nails are short and leave a viewer to imagine her touch 
with skin so skillfully painted at her finger tips.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Ermine Avatar
May 31, 2020 at 12:04 AM
Being embraced by the portrait subject translates.
Adams Avatar
April 10, 2015 at 6:36 AM
To paint as well as a photograph with words is also a great talent, one which you have demonstrated here that you so obviously possess. Well done! And, welcome to Poetry Soup.
Drug Avatar
April 10, 2015 at 6:14 PM
Thank you! Your poem, The Other Side of Winter, is amazing. Hey everybody, go check it out! Great input from a great writer, thanks again.
Makama Avatar
March 26, 2015 at 12:06 PM
This is a well thought piece, showcasing the tender make up of your soul and the immense creativity, so rich in your mind. I so love this and thanks a lot for sharing..
Drug Avatar
March 26, 2015 at 3:58 PM
Thank you very much. I wasn't sure about it when I first posted it, but people seem to enjoy reading it. Comments help, I appreciate your reading it.
Timperley Avatar
January 16, 2015 at 3:31 PM
You conjured her up in my mind. She sstarted to shimmer downwards as you described her. filling out with every word until she became real in my minds eye. Lovely write. Thank you. God Bless. D.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace