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Man Lying On a Wall - Lowry

Inspired by the painting by LS Lowry Man Lying on a Wall. The poem makes the most sense when viewed with the painting. I wasn't believed When I told of what I saw Quite simply A man lying on a wall Suited, booted and prepared for a rainy day But the day wasn't rainy The wall was dry And perfectly positioned For contemplation He hardly stood out at all Blending with the chimneys And the spire reflected by his umbrella My vantage point Zoomed in but set back With time for contemplation Of my own Fascinated by the fact that he was Unfettered by the idea of being seen With no peripheral vision Forming an organic industrial horizon Between brick and sky An air of not needing to be anywhere The days cares, shed And the realisation That it doesn't really matter If someone from afar approves Or disapproves of wall reclination Because you've already claimed Your moment in the day And are at peace with it

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Gary Radice

Date: 3/14/2023 9:45:00 AM

Hi DD I tend to like Lowry's landscapes moreso than the single character studies but your words really get inside the painting. It had me thinking about the whole idea of posting an ekphrasis about a painting without a picture to accompany it - Does it detract? You know, I don't think it does. If anything I'd like to think that it persuades people to use their imagination more and then possibly look for the painting in question and then re-read the original poem. Cheers - Gary

Di11y Da11y
Date: 3/14/2023 10:02:00 AM

That's an interesting idea Gary, I'd have posted it alongside if I wasn't stingy (it's a premium feature) I think it does help to have it there as I imagine most won't read the poem without. But I like the idea of forming the image in your head first. Thanks for reading and commenting, appreciated

Speaks Volumes

Date: 3/13/2023 4:37:00 PM

An interesting poem about an interesting painting. I like your poem better than the painting.. Do you think he is smoking? maybe my imagination. You did well DD

Di11y Da11y
Date: 3/13/2023 4:40:00 PM

Thanks Wen, I think he is smoking and it mirrors the chimneys. There may be more love for Lowry for me because I'm from Manchester :)