Rhonda Johnson-Saunders Poet Ekphrasis

Stepping Into Carnival Evening

Questions arise as I walk with them -
finding contradictions of formality and intimacy,
darkness and light, the tangible and ethereal - 
where a sunset meets moon rising, black meets white.
Chill of evening leaps from the canvas 
sending shivers through bone and thoughts. 
Strange, how the long-faced couple steps 
from winter’s ominous night, eyes upon them,
not disturbing the sleeping forest of naked trees,
searching for home or the inside joke of clowns and jesters.
Their soulful glow, one light with arms entwined, penetrates my heart,
shaping the beauty and mystery of Rousseau’s masterpiece.*

*Carnival Evening by Henri Rousseau

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John Watt July 9, 2020 at 8:14 PM I was so delighted to find this tonight, Rhonda. Rousseau is one of my favorite post-impressionist. You have stepped into this painting with a sympathetic pen and painted a lovely backstory. Your contradictory pairs are so intriguing: formality/intimacy; tangible/ethereal; sunset/moonrise; black/white. I can see why this was a winner. I hope you have done more like this, you are so gifted and insightful ~ John "Their soulful glow, one light with arms entwined, penetrates my heart" Rhonda Johnson-Saunders July 12, 2020 at 6:16 PM Your comments are humbling and encouraging. Thank you for visiting this old poem of mine, John. I haven't written many poems in this form, but the contrast of light and darkness in this painting captivated me, especially how the people seem to glow from within. Rhonda xx

Skat A February 15, 2015 at 10:55 PM Rhonda, CONGRATULATIONS, on your awesome 12 liner Ekphrasis WIN! :) SKAT

Dr. Upma A. Sharma February 10, 2015 at 3:55 AM Exquisite write Rhonda! Congrats on big win!

Rajat Kanti Chakrabarty February 10, 2015 at 2:10 AM Hi Rhonda CongratsXXXX rajat

Nette Onclaud February 9, 2015 at 1:03 AM such a languid feel excellently portrayed.. one of the best in this contest.. big congrats on your win!

Debbie Guzzi February 8, 2015 at 4:50 PM Done with intrigue and excellent for me it would be much higher. Congrad's on your win! Light & Love

Poesy Relish February 8, 2015 at 11:49 AM A powerful write... congrats Rhonda

Sandra Haight February 7, 2015 at 10:22 PM Congratulations, Rhonda, for your win for your well-written poem that images a very mysterious work of art. Your words have captured the feelings it gives of so many mysteries, contradictions and unanswered questions. Hugs, Sandra

Jan Allison February 7, 2015 at 3:29 PM such a wonderful image and divine imagery in your poem - many congrats:-) Hugs jan xx

Maurice Yvonne January 9, 2015 at 6:48 AM I love your take on Rousseau's "Carnival Evening"

Richard Lamoureux January 4, 2015 at 9:09 AM You have a way of permeating my mind with your writing.

Robert Stoner Jr January 4, 2015 at 8:36 AM well Rhonda this theme didn't slow you down a bit,looks like you wrote another winner to me,good luck

Rajat Kanti Chakrabarty January 4, 2015 at 12:13 AM An excellent portrayal of "Carnival Evening" by Henri Rousseau.You are a powerful poet Rhonda. God bless you. Is it for contest? Good luck . Perfect 10 from me. Love-RAJAT

Arthur Vaso January 3, 2015 at 11:48 PM I had no idea what to aspect with the title, but this is really beautiful, you have captured the essence of this painting so well. A7