Not Merely the Eye

Billowing, foamy currents

     Lofty, turquoise drifts
 
          Undulate as waves

               Rage through the calm of heaven

                    As the golden stalks

                         Bend in fields below

                               Like hungry fire consuming

                                    All life in its path 

                                         Seemingly engulfed

                                              The cypresses are the same;
   
                                                   Ensnared in the grip

                                                        Of restless fury

                                                             By the skyward, emerald flame

                                       Would Vincent approve

                                            Of his brilliant work

                                                 Being perceived violently?

                                                      I am oft' amazed

                                                           How a piece of art

                                                                Takes on a life of its own 

                                                                     Interpretation

                                                                          Lives within the heart

                                                                               And soul of the beholder

                                                                                    Not merely the eye
 







Vincent Van Gogh's painting, "Yellow Wheat and Cypresses" was my inspiration.

For submission in Abe Lopez' contest, "Van Gogh's Van Goghs".
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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12
George   Avatar
December 21, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Dear Donna, Congratulations on all three of your sensational entires making it through the first round and best wishes on advancing to the finals. Love, Lainie
Guzzi Avatar
December 21, 2009 at 4:34 PM
another 3 time winner a truely amazing poet! Light & Love
Sheart Avatar
December 21, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Congrats on your poem winning the first round of PS contest!! Very well deserved, enjoyed reading your wonderful poetry. Here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! May 2010 be your best year ever! Love Light Patty
K. Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 3:06 PM
This is really very pretty both in words and presentation--congrats on having 3 poems through! WIsh you all the best, Donna :)
Richards Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 12:53 PM
How wonderful....you have three great poems that made it through the first round! Congratulations, Donna! Happy Holidays, and blessings on your son's marriage...may they be forever happy together:) Love, Carrie
Fraser Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Many congratulations on reaching the second round with your fine poem Donna >> James,xx
 Avatar
October 23, 2009 at 4:53 PM
Wonderful use of imagery! The stair-step format adds visual interest. So much truth in your words. Congratulations on being featured this week. Keep up the good writing. Karen
George   Avatar
October 22, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Absolutely breath-taking portrayal of Vincent's painting, Donna. Congratulations on this magnificent feature of the week. Love, Lainie
Fraser Avatar
October 19, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Congratulations on your wonderful poetry being featured this week >> James
Strand Avatar
October 19, 2009 at 12:39 AM
Congrats on your feature this week.Rgds Brian
Brown Avatar
October 18, 2009 at 5:09 PM
Congratulations on your well deserved poetry being featured this week Donna. Love, Carol
Freeman Avatar
October 17, 2009 at 3:51 PM
The same principle applies in poetry, as in art, like giving birth to your baby, each one is just as special as the last. They are like spiritual births from the very heart of your soul. Smile, Love, Moses
Foster Avatar
October 9, 2009 at 1:21 AM
Very well written interpretaion of van Gogh's "Yellow Wheat and Cypresses" I truly enjoyed the read. Best wishes in the contest. Many Blessings, Always, Adell
Kendrick Avatar
October 7, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Good luck in the competition. Nicely done and very descriptive. Keep writing. Sara
George   Avatar
October 7, 2009 at 12:43 AM
Masterful writing, like Van Gogh's paintings. Love, Lainie
Ryerson Avatar
October 6, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Another gem as usual, Donna - Tim
Anish Avatar
October 6, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Nice tribute to a master. I would have written "Inspiration" instead of "Interpetation". But you wrote the poem - not me. You must be familiar with the song "Starry Starry Night". Your work reminds me of it. Peace & Blessings Matthew Anish
Strand Avatar
October 4, 2009 at 11:40 PM
Thank you for your welcome blog comments today Donna.Rgds Brian
Freeman Avatar
October 4, 2009 at 7:49 PM
You have a special way with words, as they say, I can almost taste what you are illustrating here. An amazing Choka, an amazing flow with your word arrangement. Sincerely, Love Moses
Devonshire Avatar
October 4, 2009 at 8:14 AM
Donna, per your question, I like the concept of making the addition you suggestion. It's not overkills when it helps drive home your message. And as I've told you before, this is a fantastic write! Love, Carolyn
 Avatar
October 3, 2009 at 6:10 PM
Great use of imagery and an artistic presentation--such a fitting tribute to Van Gogh. I like how you added your insight in the second stanza. Good Job!!! Best wishes in the contest. I predict the winners circle for this poem! Karen
Fraser Avatar
October 1, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Simply superb this Choka Donna, it's a Wow in my eyes >> best of luck in Abe's contest >> James
Devonshire Avatar
October 1, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Absolutely, you will be acknowledged when I send this to my friend. Thanks for your permission, Donna!
Devonshire Avatar
October 1, 2009 at 8:22 AM
Donna, this is so lovely that I would like to share it with a friend who is not a poet but loves Van Gogh. Hope that's OK. Love, Carolyn
Brown Avatar
October 1, 2009 at 5:53 AM
Thank you for sharing your fasinating poetry with us today Donna. Wishing you the best in the contest. Love, Carol
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