Monet's Impression, Sunrise

Monet's Impression, Sunrise First impressions leave memories That can linger for a very long time; And give a sense of peace and understanding, That rewards the solitude of the mind With satisfaction, in contemplative reflection. This may be deceiving and can mislead one to believe That which is right may, in fact, be wrong. Graciously’ accept the artist’s shared perception That there is no ambiguity; only a warning Of the impending storm threatening prevalent reasoning. The ascending sun, with its reflection on the water, Highlight a sense of direction as the rowers’ row, Across the harbor at the break of morn. Past cranes and derricks and ships at anchor; Beneath a smoke blurred fiery sky, accented By pastel shades of blue, to create the sombre mood Which expresses Monet’s ‘Impression, Sunrise’ painting. And shares with the onlookers his representation Of nature; from an Impressionist’s point of view In the Industrial Age, heralding in the revolution. That begs the question, “Where are they going? And why blood orange?” (Oh, but I’ve seen that colour before.) Day-to-day inquiries asked of one another and strangers. Monet incorporates an art-form using oils on canvas, Forcing the audience to observe with curiosity Thus, presenting a sliver of time of life’s tranquility at sea. This provocation of thought chinks the consciousness Of seasoned connoisseurs who see change as frightening, And challenges their manipulation of artistic output; (To act like mechanical agents thwarting creativity). “Will they reach their destination? Will it be as they hoped for?” Hurry! Though calm; the waters will soon froth in labour. *** Note: Ekphrastic poem of Claude Monet’s 1872 painting “Impression, Sunrise” (Impression, Soleil Levant).