Richard Lamoureux | + Follow Poet |
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The Broken Column

Broken Column
wrapped in female form
split down the centre
more than femininity exposed

Breasts capture the eye
Her softness
Confusing
Arousing 

head held high 
Her long black hair flows
cascades across decades
immortalized

Tears streaming down a saddened face
Doves crying to be understood
cheerful colors confuse the minds eye

What thoughts lie beneath that unibrow
Beauty within painted distortions
Who is her oppressor
Look deep
Emotions overexposed
Is this her living nightmare
broken yet standing tall
Immovable moving force
demanding to be seen
Silent yet speaking volumes

Metal corset
binds
holds constricts
White flowing gown
What is hidden beneath
What does she wish to shield from our prying eyes
Yet if you look deep she reveals all
See beyond the physical
the manicured
the lovely

crimes nailed to her being
cutting
pushing 
splitting 
exposing
A heart pierced
hidden from sight

Immovable contemplations
reacting with the unseen
Barren landscapes
contradicting female form
Symbol of all women 
givers sustainers of life
Fertile
powerful
spiritual
eternal
Rising from the ground 
our foundation
We build upon her soul
Free her 
celebrate her rise
Without her we fall
we fail
we cease to exist
Do not allow her to crumble beneath the weight of our iniquity

Cyndi Macmillan's "Women who paint contest series:Frieda Kahalo in Free Verse."
 The painting I chose was "The Broken Column"

Copyright © Richard Lamoureux | Year Posted 2013

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Eileen Manassian Date: 8/4/2015 2:51:00 AM Richard....you'll be happy to know that I read your poem to my class today. We were talking about creativity in art. I showed them Frieda's painting and then read your poem. They loved the way you expressed your understanding of the artist's work! Thank you.... :) Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 8/4/2015 7:29:00 AM That is so cool! I am honoured. Please pass on my website address to your class, I would love to have some young students reading my work.

Victoria Anderson-Throop Date: 11/13/2013 5:03:00 PM powerful and delicately respectful, Richard.... lovely Login to Reply

S.Jagathsimhan Nair Date: 11/9/2013 6:56:00 AM Congrats on your win in Cyndi's contest with this lovely piece of writing, Richard!! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 11/9/2013 8:48:00 AM Thanks so much.

Sheri Fresonke Harper Date: 11/7/2013 10:48:00 PM Very lovely, evocative poem to Frieda Kahlo's poem Richard, congratulations on your win Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 11/8/2013 8:26:00 AM Thanks Sheri.

Charlotte Puddifoot Date: 11/7/2013 4:46:00 PM an impressive take on the painting; I think this is one of the best poems of yours that I've read so far, thoroughly deserving of its high placement in the contest - congrats! :) Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 11/7/2013 5:29:00 PM Thanks Charlotte.

Skat A Date: 11/7/2013 12:22:00 PM I am very charmed by your win... , brilliant imagery... nice win * HUGS & LOVE <3 ~SKAT~Richard, Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 11/7/2013 5:29:00 PM Thanks SKAT

Joseph May Date: 11/7/2013 9:03:00 AM splendid write ..congrats on your win Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 11/7/2013 5:28:00 PM Thanks Joseph.

Monterey Sirak Date: 9/3/2013 4:46:00 AM Well done, your words peeled away the layers to find the many facets of woman. Love the line..."Doves crying..." So perfect. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 9/3/2013 7:53:00 AM In the picture there are doves in her eyes.

Mustapha Mohammed Date: 8/30/2013 4:35:00 PM This speaks volumes Richard. When I was perusing this I cant help but feel the emotions exuding out of your words. Well crafted! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 9/3/2013 7:54:00 AM Thanks Mustapha, I was trying to do the artist justice, her work is powerful.

Poet Tacito Date: 8/29/2013 8:59:00 AM Astounding writing here. You put the "man" in "woman". Strong & deep setting you established in this writing. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 8/29/2013 8:04:00 PM Thanks Drake

Christine Phillips Date: 8/29/2013 8:12:00 AM Nice poem, it made me think whether "Her" the third person is a woman or a symbolic representation of something? Your poem made me think... which is a sign of good writing. Now you are producing a poem per day. Very good... I would like to do so too, but don't have that luxury time but when everything is fine...I will sit down and write full-time. You are a good motivator on this site to encourage writing. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 8/29/2013 8:23:00 AM Thanks Christine. I am an early riser so I usually write first thing before I start my day. This gives me the time I need before the busyness of life gets in the way and obscures my thoughts.

Shadow Hamilton Date: 8/29/2013 5:21:00 AM Richard once more you excel in this write wishing Gl but you dont need it lol the quality speaks for itself Shadow x smile Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 8/29/2013 6:57:00 AM Thanks Shadow!

Red Fiery Date: 8/29/2013 5:03:00 AM Broken yet standing tall. This has also touched my heart. HOW did I miss this one ? You're the winner ! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 8/29/2013 6:58:00 AM Thanks Red, I'm glad you connected with it.

Donna Jones Date: 8/28/2013 9:41:00 PM Awesome...no luck needed....top of the chart! Login to Reply Red Fiery Date: 8/29/2013 5:04:00 AM I strongly agree with you Donna ! Cheers ! Richard Lamoureux Date: 8/28/2013 11:44:00 PM Thanks Donna. :0)

Cherl Dunn Date: 8/28/2013 7:08:00 PM Nicely written and thank you for your comment and I will change destiny. cheri Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 8/28/2013 11:45:00 PM Thanks Cherie, your poem is excellent.

Sara Kendrick Date: 8/28/2013 4:45:00 PM One that is very unique and creative ...Reads like a winner to me..Thanks for the visit to my work with congrats.Sara Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 8/28/2013 5:04:00 PM Thanks Sara, the visit was my pleasure.

Eileen Manassian Date: 8/28/2013 1:34:00 PM Hi, Richard....femininity...This is an interesting read, but I can't connect with it...Would you explain...please...Is this for the Freida Kahlo contest? The mono brow gave that away..,,Take care... Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 8/29/2013 7:00:00 AM Hi Eileen I changed the first part, I agree in retreading that part it didn't fit. Thanks. Eileen Manassian Date: 8/29/2013 4:05:00 AM :) Lovely changes, Richard...I don't mean to be crass, but after the breasts capture the eye..arousing intellect doesn't seem to fit...for me...the breasts are a sign of her vulnerability or defiance or torture...That section, I like the way you had it before....Also, the shorter version left more to the reader's imagination...Just the feel of the first one....Here...you've explained it all, an well, I don't know...just an opinion! It's beautiful either way.... Eileen Manassian Date: 8/28/2013 1:50:00 PM I GOT IT! :) Google to the rescue!!! Now...I'm connected and zoned....GREAT WRITE! :) Good luck on contest.