Sam Kauffman Poet Free verse

Portrait

Portrait

Through shades of life in subtle hues
Faded eyes invite imbedded memories,
Half hidden behind a worn visage
Where dreams still dance to celebrate a milestone,
Entwined in lost days of once up a time times,
Layered serene moments of rest invoking
A tranquil touch overlaid with the heavenly;
Quiet now the hands on life’s tiller,
Noise of the wounded spirit
Blotted out by wisdom gained in tinted ashen turmoil,
The pilgrim sits, interludes dance in crosshatch
Embraced, abiding in sacred values beckoning
A captured chroma in still life subtle serenity
Blended reveries reveal the pale intimate,
Stories stored in the compressed soul,
As deep lines of passing years soften – fade away –
In color palettes mixed with ochre joy and slate tears
Waiting for the next breath filled with treasures, 
Softened intensities to burst through grey tones -
The soul’s pastel breath captured – released - unchained.

6-14-22
Contest: Pastel
Sponsor: Craig Cornish

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Jennifer Proxenos June 17, 2022 at 11:08 PM How expressively you have poetically painted this portrait of the life of this man - he had aged but the image you had of him encompassed his intimate moments,his passing looks and ageing his would be thoughts, his lost long life partner his final acceptance that his time was near . I wonder in whose house our portrait will be hanging in generations to come after all our immediate family have gone. Deep thinking my friend. Hugs and blessings Jennifer

Connie Marcum Wong June 14, 2022 at 8:43 PM You gave this aging soul light and shadows, wisdom and depth of personality Sam. Beautifully expressed. I think you have a winner here. Blessings xxoo Sam Kauffman June 16, 2022 at 10:02 AM Thank you, thank you Connie. The fact that the portrait is half light and half shadow - a visual representation of life - really struck me. I wanted to know about both the light and the shadow of this man's life. I am so happy you liked this poem. Got my fingers crossed! Thank you for sitting with me to gaze into the eyes of this "aging soul!! Sending you blessings and prayers dear friend!

Joseph P. DiMino June 14, 2022 at 3:35 PM "Softened intensities to burst through grey tones - The soul’s pastel breath captured – released - unchained." Beautiful writing! History does not always darken, but indeed can enlighten, making next journey less critical and more receptive of differences. Our souls are shades of countless seasons and terrains. May we go forward always, more loving and gentle in our pastel ways. Excellent read! Thank you. Sam Kauffman June 16, 2022 at 9:56 AM Hi Joe! Thank you! And thank you for seeing that "history doesn't always darken." Our souls are indeed "shades of ...seasons and terrains." (I think you have a poem there.) I was absolutely mesmerized by the intensity found in the eyes of the unnamed subject of the portrait. It was like an invitation to sit in the presence of this gentleman - learn about life at his knee. So glad we could visit this gentleman together. Blessings!

Joseph May June 14, 2022 at 1:15 PM Memories of "life's subtle serenity", Very nicely penned Sam.. Sam Kauffman June 16, 2022 at 9:27 AM Hi Joseph! Many thanks for your visit and your compliment. I couldn't stop staring into this gentleman's eyes and wonder about his life all captured in this moment of time. Thank you for taking the time to read and to comment. It is appreciated. Sending you blessings!

Marco Chies June 14, 2022 at 11:45 AM A very beautiful poem. Sam Kauffman June 16, 2022 at 9:23 AM Thank you so very much Marco. This portrait just drew me in as I wondered about this man and his story. I so appreciate your visit and your lovely comment. All the best.