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Still Life by Marc Chagall

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Form: swap quatrain Style: ekphrasis (poem about a piece of art)

White is placed last, just as dark is first It's vision through glass it is not a curse Is there value in stillness? I'm glad you asked Just as dark is first, white is placed last Are the order of things both real and dreams? The absolute rule is all is not as it seems Clarity is what a pause in life brings Both real and dreams are the order of things Observe corner fold, don't miss obscured edge More can be seen when observed from a ledge Focus gained from distance, worth weight in gold Don't miss obscured edge, observe corner fold See beyond the blue, notice the shade This break in stride is perhaps the price paid I look and I see impeccable you Notice the shade, see beyond the blue

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Silent One

Date: 7/20/2024 10:28:00 AM

Interesting interpretation from your eyes to your pen... The flow to your poem is very good..

Di11y Da11y
Date: 7/20/2024 2:04:00 PM

Thanks Silent One - I do enjoy finding inspiration for lines within paintings, it's like a little gift :)

David Kavanagh

Date: 7/20/2024 3:59:00 AM

A poem about a piece of art (perhaps), but I see existential meaning throughout, The order of things being both real and a dream is absolutely true, I also believe the universe folds back in on itself where the edges blur, your poem is intelligent as indeed it is beautiful, I honestly don’t know how these top drawer pieces roll seamlessly and effortlessly from your mind, a wonderful Ekphrasis, the swap lines are so clever, cheers David

Di11y Da11y
Date: 7/20/2024 2:03:00 PM

I wonder myself too sometimes David - it was almost scary when I first started writing poetry as they aren't conversational pieces that emerge and they feel like they bypass the 'me' but of me to an extent... This one was an extension of the previous days poem in a way (I always have a little more to say!) Nice to know you liked it :) thank you for the high praise :)

Gary Radice

Date: 7/20/2024 3:55:00 AM

I’ve been known to stand back from a painting in a gallery and stare, chin scratch and then step towards the painting in hope that the said movements add to my understanding of said piece. It hardly ever does. No need to stand back here though. Your ekphrasis has helped me to understand the painting process involved so much more. The use of swap quatrain is a master stroke ( it helps mirror the painting) as are the questions you pose. I feel they draw the reader in and involve the reader more. With - not too. :) Cheers - Gary

Di11y Da11y
Date: 7/20/2024 1:58:00 PM

I have these little spates of being in love with swap quatrains then all of a sudden I lose the knack for a while. They are a fascinating form though for re-presenting the question. Often I will research an image before I write but I just decided to go for it with this one. There's a mild nod to juxtaposing mood with the process of painting i.e. it all makes sense in the end :) thank you for your comment, always a pleasure to hear your take :)