Speaks Volumes Poet Ekphrasis

Notes About The Poem

John William Waterhouse's Boreas

When words speak for the silence of art, sponsored by Silent One 14/7/26.

It’s not that I am languid, more that I am chagrined. 
So disappointed to be met by this dreadful north wind. 
I am on my way to see him, and I will look so disheveled. 
I am convinced the god Boreas is inclined to be bedeviled. 
They say I have a porcelain face and that I never smile. 
This is not my usual demeanor my intention is to beguile. 
My soft chiffon garment intended to drape my delicate form. 
Is now windswept without hope of keeping me warm. 
I hold my scarf, my slender fingers holding it in place. 
The daffodil I wear remains to draw attention to my face. 
My ruby red lips catch the light as they shine like wine. 
Hoping my raven hair will still shimmer and appear divine. 
Blurred from the gusty wind are my lovely blue eyes. 
They say I have undeniable beauty, now I feel otherwise. 
My slate-colored scarf billows to resemble a conch shell. 
The blackbird fighting against the wind isn’t doing well. 
Soon I will be with my dear one in the safety of indoors. 
My resistance to this harsh north wind, all for a good cause. 
The movement depicted not allowing treachery to advance. 
Shows strong conflict between nature and romance.

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Paula Goldsmith July 29, 2026 at 2:54 PM Back with Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your l" John William Waterhouse's Boreas" write again. May your spirits be lifted up high with this wonderful win. Enjoy your day writing away with your wonderful win..............

Silent One July 29, 2026 at 2:19 PM I really enjoyed this poem and the way it blends romance with the forces of nature. The harsh north wind becomes more than just weather and it feels like an obstacle testing the artist's determination to reach the one they love. Congratulations on your placement in the contest.

Joanna Daniel July 16, 2026 at 10:21 PM I like this, SV, that conch shell reference is brilliant:) Speaks Volumes July 18, 2026 at 3:07 PM Thanks so much Joanna. I must be honest, in researching the painting, I read that the artist purposely fashioned the way the wind billowed in the scarf like a conch shell. Until you mentioned it, I hadn't realised that I had used a borrowed description. I wont change it because it fits so well in my poem. Thanks so much for your encouragement. Its dearly appreciated. Best wishes from Wen.

Paula Goldsmith July 14, 2026 at 2:14 PM I enjoyed reading your "John William Waterhouse's Boreas" write. Great Picture... She looks sad. "Good Luck"  I did, "When Words Speak For The Silence Of Art Poetry."  I was off Soup for 2 weeks. Now buried with work. Have a wonderful day writing away.............. Speaks Volumes July 18, 2026 at 3:09 PM Sweet Paula, your lovely comments lift my spirits, Thank you so much. I hope your day is wonderful too.