Table For One

Insistent starkness claims a leafless day
Where morning breaks with silent calm and dread
The slope of field is framed, behind the glass
reveals a fallen tree, with jagged edge
and grassy hills now laced with autumn rust 

Inside we find a plain and cheerless room
The table sparce, an empty chair
A plate, a knife, a saucer, without spoon
One empty cup, will wait for no one there...

Ambiance of what has been, 
 ...still lingers in the air,
as amber glows, with threats of snow,
are just a hint, instead

Lonely hours, and lonely days, and lonely shadows blend
The endless songs of yesterday, slip in from window's ledge 
A meager meal will spread upon a table set for one
Where breaking bread alone without a friend
is companioned by a solitary end 

The angled sun, casts shadows deep and long
A somber mood, reflects this quiet calm 
Upon the walls, where gardens grew, are faded memories 
where yellow blooms of yesterday, are just a step away

Where, once were two, who loved and knew their sun would rise again
There now is one who sits alone  ...at the table set for one 
Where hope has gone, when morning comes...
                                       to sing a lonely song



Based on the Painting by Andrew Wyeth ... "Groundhog Day"
http://www.andrew-wyeth-prints.com/gallery_andrew-wyeth-groundhog-day.html
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Guzzi Avatar
February 9, 2013 at 6:07 PM
Congrad's on your win! I'd never seen this painting thank you. Light & Love always
Ryerson Avatar
February 9, 2013 at 4:01 AM
I had to google this to see the painting (I am not an art expert) Wow, Carrie, what a description, esp. the widow(?) sitting alone by the window...Whew!...Gave me chills...Congrats, of course and by the way madame, you have been footled again...your name has endless possibilities (I'm gonna go hide now)
A   Avatar
February 8, 2013 at 8:43 PM
Dear Carrie, :-) Congratulations with your wonderful win in Heather's "Famous Art" poetry contest. *Goodnight~LINDA
Jerden Avatar
February 8, 2013 at 6:41 PM
Well, Carrie, I just learned the word "ekphrasis" today, but your poem defined it better than any dictionary. I wasn't familiar with this piece of Wyeth's work, but now your poem will be forever linked to it in my mind. The image is of commonplace things, but my eye was particularly drawn to the plate and cup, which look as though they float slightly above the table. Congratulations!
Dietrich Avatar
February 8, 2013 at 4:18 PM
wow, your writing got me to go see the picture. even with my glasses on , though, i had to read the excerpt over there to realize that was a log of jagged wood outside the window!! You described it all wonderfully. Congrats on your most well deserved win.
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
February 8, 2013 at 2:19 PM
well done on a smashing entry and win Carrie xx
Pettit Avatar
February 8, 2013 at 12:18 PM
He was a great artist who passed away not too long ago. Your poem is well written. Congratulations on your win.
Ober Avatar
February 8, 2013 at 12:11 PM
Carrie, your descriptions are outstanding. You beautifully evoked the complete and utter loneliness of this painting. Congratulations on your 1st place win in my contest!
Strand Avatar
June 7, 2010 at 8:43 AM
Congrats on your success in my contest Carrie.Rgds Brian.My latest contest Poem of Faith is now open.
Devonshire Avatar
March 19, 2009 at 8:29 AM
"Mutely silent songs" is a powerful oxymoron, Carrie. Like you, I am a fan of Andrew Wyeth. Christina's World spoke to me when I was 10, and when we heard the artist's wife was blind, my mother bought a copy for my bedroom. I grew up staring at the girl in the fields, always wondering what her "world" was like. Wyeth would love your poem, and I do too!
Shango Avatar
March 18, 2009 at 9:18 AM
A deft handling of the writers brush, it saw the canvas as I read.
Higgins Avatar
March 18, 2009 at 8:09 AM
I don't know how I missed this one yesterday...I am so loving these writes that brings paintings alive with masterful word choice..you repainted this very well..love the tilte...love desolation framed by winter's glass..superb writing from you...you know how much I am into your work Carrie..always enjoy them....the narcissistic man can be whomever fits your interpretation.....I won't completely lift the veil..don't want to offend anyone..LOL..thanks for the brilliant comments.
Strand Avatar
March 18, 2009 at 6:12 AM
Thank you for supporting my contest Carrie.Rgds Brian
Faulkner Avatar
March 17, 2009 at 11:01 PM
truley amazing write. i read it twice, gosh that good stuff. very well penned
Mckenzie Avatar
March 17, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Carrie Wow I could feel and see everything you wrote I did go to look at that wonderful piece of art. You did it great justice! Good luck in the contest! It looks like a winner to me! Laura :)
Reynolds Avatar
March 17, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Amazing, Carrie, wow, this contest will sure be hard to judge, after reading this and sharons, you guys blew me away. amazing. I can't get your link to work, but the poem - wow! I can see it all now...brilliant, and definalty one of your best. much love, Kristin
Kelly Avatar
March 17, 2009 at 2:20 PM
One of your very best , Carrie ... Good luck in the contest ..
Winter Avatar
March 17, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Carrie, you added so much to this painting. You gave it life and reason and incredible possibilities. For me, I will always remember your poem when I look at this piece. So well penned. Good luck! Love, Shar
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