John Heck Poet Ekphrasis

Parasols

A stilled summer sky saturated and scattered with god song
watches a way fared soldier - whispers to a wary widow.
Creamy clouds canopy the concord of a moment. Minutes become 
mercurial - they manifest and meander as the seconds slip by.

Sailboats slice through streams of idle indigo.
A ripple somersaults and softly settles into serenity.
Cooing couples cuddle near clusters of cockscomb.
A lass lightheartedly leaps. A comely colleen crochets -
moment by moment - darning daydreams into days.

Parisians promenade past a proficient painter’s palette.
Social classes collide amidst color and contour and calm.
A smorgasbord of strangers isled and idyllic - spruce a
stippled sanctioned salver, as sanguine seconds smoothly 
sweep past the subtle, symphonic swells of the Seine.

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John Weber April 13, 2009 at 7:16 AM Wonderful storytelling here, John! Congratulations on your win in John Heck's PICTURE PERFECT contest. Warm regards, John.

Raul Moreno April 11, 2009 at 5:11 PM Congrats on your placement in the contest John...Raul

Barbara Gorelick April 11, 2009 at 9:49 AM I hadnt seen this painting..you brought it to life. Conrats on your win. BG

Sharon Winter April 11, 2009 at 8:30 AM Warmest congrats John for your outstanding poetry placing in Brian's contest. A beautiful Easter to you and your family. Love, Shar

Carrie Richards April 11, 2009 at 8:25 AM I love the images....can see this painting in my mind's eye! Congratulations John for this wonderful entry! ~ love, Carrie

Robin L. Gass April 11, 2009 at 7:03 AM Congratulations John, on your win in Brian's contest with his excellent piece! I love the alliteration and your imagery is fantastic! Love, Robin

Michael Jordan April 11, 2009 at 5:36 AM John I just admire the way you write and the knowledge that you have - Congratulations on placing in Brian's contest - God Bless you John, MJ

Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen April 11, 2009 at 3:08 AM When I think of Charles Seurat, this is the first painting that comes to mind. Your poem describes it well. Congratulations on your success in Brian Strands Picture Poem contest.

Brian Strand April 11, 2009 at 1:32 AM Congrats on your success in my contest John my next contest FANFARE is now open.Rgds Brian

Brian Strand March 22, 2009 at 1:34 AM Thank you for supporting my contest John.Rgds Brian

Adell Foster January 18, 2009 at 8:05 PM John you imagery is impeccable my friend, marvelous tones of summer resonnating throughout the flow of the read, what an awesome tribute to Rhoda and a joy to read for you as well my friend, Thank you for sharing the beauty of this write. God Bless, Always, Adell

Vince Suzadail Jr. January 3, 2009 at 7:51 PM Not so much the eloquence but the picture painted. I can see this Summer Day in my mind and just wish. Vince

John Rhinem January 3, 2009 at 6:47 PM So, your a brooklyn lad? Hmm, you write like a gifted European~Smile~"Hello My Talented & Loving Brother John Heck!"~Still, I love your somewhat unique & wonderful style of writing! And this was a very image filled & lovely poem which you penned here~Smile~I sincerely hope that your new year is going beautifully for you & your loved ones dear Brother!~"My Love & Warmth To You All, John!"~"Great Write!"~Bye:)

Sheila Mckinnell January 3, 2009 at 5:33 PM John I really enjoy your poem. It is truly inspiring. The imagery you display is one of excellence.

Colin Mitchell Williams January 2, 2009 at 8:19 AM Hello John. Thank you for your comment on Her Lover. I wish you a Happy New Year. I think this is beautifully written John. I know the painting very well, as I believe it is hung in the National Gallery in London Trafalgar Square, though I could be wrong. I always loved Seurat's work

Mc Mc December 31, 2008 at 3:14 AM awesome aliiteration!! lovely keep em coming, John!!

Laura Mckenzie December 30, 2008 at 3:30 PM John -Oh My God you have rattled my heart and filled my soul ,this is the best poem I have ever seen you write! WOW WOW WOW It's going to my favorites for sure. Sheer talent shines for miles!!!!!!!! "Sailboats slice through streams of idle indigo" What a nice tribute to a frend!! Love Laura :) Happy New Year!

Sharon Winter December 30, 2008 at 2:07 PM Aww, this is too beautiful! And the dedication is the sweetest most thoughtful gift for a beautiful friend I admire and love. So happy you two have developed such a strong, caring friendship, as you both are and will always be very special to me. John, your poem blows me away, but in all sincerity, they all do. A total joy to read in every way, and I mean this from my heart. Love, shar

Joseph Spence Sr December 30, 2008 at 12:04 PM This is truly an awesome poem. I like the use of figurative language and how it brings the painting to life. Certainly, this shows the creativity of the poet and his thoughts for others. The use of alliteration moves the poem alone in a splendid manner, and also exhibits excellence in transitioning. Naturally Rhoda should be smiling in appreciation. Great job! ~Joseph

Mohammad Yamin December 30, 2008 at 11:19 AM John, This is a remarkable poem - a beautiful picturization. I was also touched by the dedication of the poem to a very worthy friend Rhoda Galgiani. It is a well deserved tribute. Thanks for your encouraging comments on my HaikuThe House of Glass. Happy New Year. -Mohammad

Sara Lokken December 30, 2008 at 8:06 AM Wow, amazing work. What can one truly say, but that you have a true gift!:) Best wishes, Sara

Michael Degenhardt December 30, 2008 at 4:59 AM This write has so much to offer a reader, not just the alliteration, but the descriptive beauty, the scenery, lovely! Coincidentally, Jeopardy last night had a question about this very painting, was that the inspiration as well, besides Rhoda, who is indeed a wonderful poet? Terrific writing! Michael

Kristin Reynolds December 30, 2008 at 3:08 AM Sweet alliteration and dedication here, John - she must be tickled. :) Amazingly vivid and bright, perfect for a painting such as his. awesome, as always, now...check your mailbox! Love, Kristin

Brian Strand December 30, 2008 at 1:39 AM A pointillist in words ..my such talent John.Excellnt.Rgds Brian & thanks for your ongoing support and comments on my ndeavours,postings,blogs and contests

Sean Kelly December 30, 2008 at 12:44 AM Congratulations to this " Blessed Trunity " ; George , Rhoda & John , for this scenic eloquence ... Masterful !!! What IS that colleen ( Irish ? ) doing , spending her darn days in Paris ???? ... Looking forward to your 2009 collection ... Sean

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