Laurentine G Poet Ekphrasis

Inspired by Sleeping Venus by Paul Delvaux

I dreamt it in stone
   whilst I softly slept
unhurried thoughts
      as others wept
exist as one
   that is the dream
            but the dream is undone

    kneeling and wretched
prostrate on the ground
          serene and believing 
    salvation found
by the light of the moon
   it's possible to see
the most favoured
           most becoming
        version of me

     I've taken up space
   fashioned as ornate
with no way to speak
  as a protected state
     but thoughts run rife 
        impossible to still
  what bodies can't encapsulate
within the shape that they fill

my bones tell a story
      my mind doesn't understand 
   I agreed wholeheartedly 
as horizons are scanned 
       let me be enveloped by the sandman
    lost in a faraway stare
just outside of time
          perhaps my purpose lies there

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Sara Kendrick March 13, 2026 at 4:53 PM Congratulations on your winning work in Brian's contest. Way to go. Sara K Laurentine G March 13, 2026 at 10:59 PM Thank you Sara :)

David Kavanagh March 8, 2026 at 12:36 PM I was just browsing through PS and seen a golden glow coming from your page Miss Laurentine, I thought it was on fire, closer inspection showed an ever growing trophy cabinet, so a bit of both lol! Congratulations on another well deserved win, I’ll make it a triple Fave! Cheers David Laurentine G March 8, 2026 at 12:57 PM :) :) :) haha I can't hide that I'm all super smiley about this one :) thank you for this fun comment and the support you've shown me on my return :)

Ink Empress March 8, 2026 at 12:25 PM Oh look who is winning virtual golden trophy again! Ah! Congratulations my friend! Im so thrilled for u! This poem deserves everything! Double fave! Laurentine G March 8, 2026 at 12:41 PM Haha your poor thumbs lol :) thank you Ink :)

Ink Empress March 7, 2026 at 3:32 AM dear LG, Im in awe and I absolutely felt every word woven here. I didnt see the artwork but i can only imagine through your well articulated lines! I cant help but feel “ my bones tell a story my mind doesn't understand I agreed wholeheartedly ” lol! Gosh! Made me smile and i agreed and think need that printed and framed! Your opening line tho! Gosh! Just exquisite and captivating! This is a new fave for me! Pleasure reading. Sending you light always. Best wishes always Laurentine G March 7, 2026 at 3:37 AM Haha you must see the artwork, I insist!!! Make sure to include the artists name though as there are others with the same name. It's quite a soothing painting in a chaotic way :) thank you for the purchase of the framed print, I'll sign the corner lol (yum a delicious fave, thank you!)

David Kavanagh March 6, 2026 at 1:06 PM Your purpose lies here in the poetry world Laurentine, another stunning Ekphrasis, telling the surreal story of this beautiful painting, because no one else could interpret this one using such body and mind duality as you do, (kneeling and wretched prostrate on the ground serene and believing salvation found), such beautiful cathartic poetry in those words, absolutely brilliant, cheers David! Laurentine G March 6, 2026 at 1:58 PM I did love writing this one, one of those that seemed to just speak to me as my eyes took in different parts of the painting - it is strangely soothing that despite the horrors, sometimes we rest anyway. Thank you for such a positive and uplifting comment - like you fully took on board the guidance above the comment box about positivity only :)

Tom Cunningham March 6, 2026 at 8:27 AM Had to Google the painting, you certainly have a talent for getting into the heart and soul of the picture LG, you'd make an excellent guide in an art gallery explaining the masterpieces to visitors. Enjoy your weekend. Tom Laurentine G March 6, 2026 at 8:34 AM Haha thanks Tom! It's great fun to interpret these paintings - I'd probably enjoy debating them with others. I did chat to others around the Ulysses painting at the gallery once but I get intimidated by all the posh knowledgeable people! Hope you have a lovely weekend - hope you do that audio you mentioned!