Self Portrait With Cigarette- Edvard Munch Painting

Who have I painted this for
This reflection of my core
My introspection wonders back

An injection of epiphany
It drifts from me like smoke
Suddenly aware I see
Nothing that looks like clarity
In the shadows I am pondering
A stillness caught by candlelight

If I stop watching you paint me
Will myself in frame then cease to be
The quiet trickles down like falling ash
From a cigarette only just lit
As my eyes play tricks
And test my wits
I ask myself which side I'm on
And who is watching who
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Baker Avatar
July 29, 2023 at 2:53 PM
Excellent poetry, Hat. Very thought-provoking and also intriguing. Congrats on the Top 100 New Poem list poem! Have a great weekend! Bill
Bueckert Avatar
July 29, 2023 at 5:57 PM
Oh neat, thank you Bill!
Kauffman Avatar
July 14, 2023 at 9:49 PM
Hat, this ekphrasis crosses into the realm of excellence and mastery of the poetic form. Using poetic musings and introspection of Munch is just plain brilliant. Congratulations on your top win! A masterful piece. Blessings! A fav!
Bueckert Avatar
July 16, 2023 at 10:22 AM
Thanks Sam, what kind Comments :)
Rodrigues Avatar
July 14, 2023 at 8:21 PM
Congratulations, Hat! … The quiet trickles down like falling ash From a cigarette only just lit
Bueckert Avatar
July 16, 2023 at 10:26 AM
Thanks Kim :)
Richards Avatar
July 14, 2023 at 7:45 PM
Very innovative to use 1st POV for an Ekphrastic poem. Congratulations, Hat.
Bueckert Avatar
July 16, 2023 at 10:34 AM
Thanks suzette, I enjoyed this style
Edmonds  Avatar
July 14, 2023 at 7:42 PM
A marvellous Ekphrasis poem Hat, a good take on the Edvard Munch painting. Congratulations on your win in Dilly Dally’s contest… Belle
Bueckert Avatar
July 16, 2023 at 10:35 AM
Thank you Belle
Alex Avatar
July 14, 2023 at 6:23 PM
"I ask myself which side I'm on And who is watching who" - A very beautiful poem. Congratulations!
Bueckert Avatar
July 16, 2023 at 10:32 AM
Thank you :)
Toney Avatar
July 14, 2023 at 2:17 PM
Hat, I love the back and forth between the observer and the observed. Congratulations on your placement in Dilly Dally’s contest!
Bueckert Avatar
July 16, 2023 at 10:25 AM
Thank you!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
June 16, 2023 at 7:59 AM
This piece appeals to me on so many levels. Fantastic. xomo
Bueckert Avatar
June 18, 2023 at 9:13 AM
Thank you :)
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