Negative Shade

Out of the darkness you are strokes of light
A true masterpiece of visual delight
Like you your creator is forever penned
As I look at you I miss my friend
Your heritage is clear an Indian at birth
A true respecter of Mother Earth 
Your Headdress adorned by Buffalo Horns
Saddened eyes reflect how your people were scorned
Your face a true reflection of time
Your necklace is of simplistic design
Through this art there is no way to hide
You were a people of deep eternal pride

 





Written For Brian Strand’s “Ekphrasis” Poetry Contest. Inspired by one of my Indian
Brothers Negative Shade Drawing of an Indian Chief that I brought home from Prison. In
Prison you meet very many talented artist I consider the two drawings I brought home of
his to be two very prized pieces. For insurance purposes I had each piece appraised and
they are said to be worth around $500.00 apiece. I paid 5 Top Raman Soups, a can of Chile
Beans and two poems for them both. As far as I know I was the only one allowed to bring
his artwork outside. Being a lifer he only dealt with other lifers, me being the single
exception because I used to write poetry for his wife and children.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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George   Avatar
December 19, 2008 at 9:31 AM
See how your gift enhances your life and the life of others. And to think his gift is mostly hidden from the world. What a shame. Sensational writing, dear Michael. Love, Lainie
Cailo Avatar
November 4, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Again I dropped by to say congratulations on your deserving win :) Teri
Richards Avatar
November 4, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Congratulation on your win in the contest, Michael. This must be an amazing painting, and the story at the end that you related, makes it even more valuable! ~ Carrie
Mckenzie Avatar
November 4, 2008 at 4:38 PM
Michael congratulations on your win in Brian's contest! Great write Laura :)
 Avatar
November 4, 2008 at 1:46 PM
There is so much depth to this poem. Creative title. Congratulations on having your ekphrasis selected as one of the winners in Brian's contest. Wishing you continued success. Karen
Winter Avatar
November 4, 2008 at 7:19 AM
Congratulations Michael on your win in Brian's contest! An awesome poem! Love, Shar
Petersen Potter Avatar
October 27, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Such a wonderful piece you've penned here, Michael.I can almost see this noble headdress in my mind.A very beautiful tribute of some sort to your friend too.Good luck in the contest! Thank you for commenting on my poetry.I really appreciate it.Take care and God bless you, my dear friend. Dorian
Mc Avatar
October 24, 2008 at 10:10 PM
wow- great story and poem! all the best!
Degenhardt Avatar
October 23, 2008 at 9:33 AM
An amazing read, this flows so well and provides the clearest of imagery through exact details. Extremely well written. Michael
Spence Sr Avatar
October 22, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Hey you are getting fancy now my friend. I like the picture. You should go to an autumn Pow-wow and write some poetry of the events. I like the descriptive excellent of this poem. I can see images of the chief with his head dress also. Great job! ~Joseph
Puhi Avatar
October 20, 2008 at 1:38 PM
Michael, I really appreciate the comments it means a lot to know a writer like yourself enjoys my work. And I have to say I love your tribute. You have a deep eye and a sensative way when it comes to words. I've read almsot all your posting and I have to say I'm very impressed. You catch and mold your thoughts and feelings so well, I can learn a lot from someone like you, indeed. Keep the writing up, I'll be reading.
Strand Avatar
October 19, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Nice tribute Michael.Glad you 'enjoyed' my country poem of the 'old days ' childhood food names.
Cailo Avatar
October 19, 2008 at 9:54 PM
Beautiful write, Michael. Thank God that you were allowed to bring the drawings with you, and your friend for sure has the assurance that his artworks are to be taken care of very well :) Teri
La France Avatar
October 19, 2008 at 1:45 PM
Michael... it is very, very good... thats all I can say... you are a gifted writer... I can relate to the Indian soul.. I was given an Indian name by an old woman of the Ojibaway tribe of"Beautiful Swan" I think I need to write a poem about that.. you have inspired me..and thanks for you comment on "Lady" it will be a difficult contest to judge.. Constance
Torres Avatar
October 19, 2008 at 1:33 PM
Very kind dedication Michael. These are the people that we meet that touch our lives and bring special memories. Excellent Write. Blessigns Michael
Lakhera Avatar
October 19, 2008 at 10:37 AM
It must have been a masterpiece just as this poem is. A beautiful tribute. You are so marvelous with words. My favorite magician:) Love, Chitra
Winter Avatar
October 19, 2008 at 6:41 AM
Michael, an absolutely beautiful and empathetic write of another culture. Wish I could view this picture, although I can imagine it in my mind's eye. So excellent. Good luck in the contest! Love, Shar
White Avatar
October 18, 2008 at 2:39 PM
such a beautiful write and tribute to your friend in time all wrongs will be righted, great write, take care D-nyce
Loving Iii Avatar
October 18, 2008 at 11:49 AM
what an experince. i went to jail for about a month. i think i was on a mission from God because of all the bible related stuff i had to do. and who knows what those poems you wrote were worth. but when i think about the food guys smuggled me because they liked me because i was teaching them things i knew about the bible. that memory touched my heart in a way i'm sure only you can understand. Your buddy, John
Sheart Avatar
October 18, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Hello Michael You REALLY touched the heart of my spirit with this one....I invite you to read my poem Fork In The Road. Many blessings to you and yours my friend. I'm sending good thoughts your way. Love Light Truth Patricia
Higgins Avatar
October 18, 2008 at 10:26 AM
What a great piece that shows your admiration. The stories that must hidden in that soul. You captured him wonderfully. Great write Michael
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