John Watt Poet Ekphrasis

Notes About The Poem

The Connoisseur

I saw a painting as a younger man;
some artwork I enjoyed - this not so much. 
Not ready yet for abstract, off I ran 
to view portraits, landscapes, still lifes and such.
A decade later, we met up again;
I still was not sure what there was to see.
Less hurried, I felt more receptive then. 
"My kid could paint this", scoffed a man near me.
I'm sixty now, and see with dimmer eyes 
yet now they catch things I missed in my youth.
I gaze, and let a narrative arise -
it asks me: what is beauty, life, and truth?
   Therein consists the artist's foremost task: 
   to raise the questions we have yet to ask.


// An ekphrasis on the painting "The Connoisseur"
by American painter Norman Rockwell //

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Aditi Mishra August 1, 2020 at 11:47 PM Back to congratulate you on another win for this artistic write dear friend :) John Watt August 2, 2020 at 12:17 AM Your kindness inspires. Thank you.

Jan Allison July 31, 2020 at 4:11 PM what an incredible image ...they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and your poem proves that John, many congrats:-) hugs Jan xx John Watt July 31, 2020 at 4:16 PM I agree with that old saying, Jan. Every eye is different just as every artist is different. What I find interesting is how tastes change as we grow older. Thanks for the lovely comment, my friend. Hugs ~ John

Jenna Logan July 30, 2020 at 7:50 AM Your lines delve much deeper than not being able to understand the artist's intention of an abstract, John. If you think your eyesight has dimmed, you're wrong. You see things much more clearly through the eyes of experience. Age is never a factor of comprehension, if anything, it makes things clearer. Congratulations on your wonderful write. John Watt July 30, 2020 at 8:51 AM It sounds like you have looked at art through similar eyes, Jenna. I appreciate your deep understanding and kind words, my friend. Be blessed ~ John

Sam Kauffman July 29, 2020 at 8:26 PM Congratulations John on your winning placement. Still enjoying this poem! John Watt July 30, 2020 at 8:44 AM I appreciate the multiple visits, Sam. I can tell you're an art lover, which comes as no surprise. Blessings today, my friend ~ John

Regina Mcintosh July 29, 2020 at 7:21 PM Such a lovely write and such a wonderful muse. God bless you with all your heart desires dear friend. Thank you for entering and congrats John Watt July 30, 2020 at 8:43 AM It's an honor to be among your winners, Gina! Thank you for the generous placement and for sponsoring an enjoyable contest about the muse. Blessings to you today ~ John

Aditi Mishra July 28, 2020 at 12:43 PM Ah! This is another brilliant muse from your pen my friend. I am blessed to dive into the oceans of interests and artistic inclinations you have. This one is a sheer delight with your beautiful expressions. Congratulations on your win John! :) John Watt July 29, 2020 at 3:42 PM There is so much meaning conveyed in a simple Ah! I am encouraged beyond measure by your wonderful words and humbled to think I can bless such a poet as you, Aditi. Keep writing and inspiring, my friend ~ John

Harry Horsman July 27, 2020 at 12:04 AM A poem, on how somethings can grew upon us,,love the theme, and the logic of your wonderful words John.. John Watt July 27, 2020 at 10:10 PM Aw, thank you Harry. That means a lot to me. It's nice when you reach a certain age to NOT be the old dog that can't learn a new trick.

Brenda Chiri July 26, 2020 at 9:07 PM Very nice! Congrats on your win!:) John Watt July 26, 2020 at 10:33 PM Thanks for stopping by with your kindness, Brenda!

Andrea Dietrich July 26, 2020 at 8:08 PM very intelligent musing on artwork, John. I wonder what inspired this one in you. Is it for one of Brian's contests. So surprising to me you knew my poem was rhyme royale. I think I did not classify it as such!! Thanks again for the tip on my poem with the e. I tried so hard to see I did it right. I wonder if there is some program the judge will be running the poems through . Otherwise, He could miss something too. John Watt July 26, 2020 at 10:34 PM Thank you, my dear friend. You always leave such kind comments.

Sam Kauffman July 25, 2020 at 6:07 PM I do love your art poem themes! Amazing how adding candles to our cakes gives up new vision - even through thicker glasses! I too love art and art museums. Thank you taking us on another museum tour! Blessings! John Watt July 26, 2020 at 10:34 PM Thank you, my dear friend! Museums are soul food to me, I bet they are for you too.

Kim Rodrigues July 25, 2020 at 4:55 PM I love art and I love your poem! Top contender! John Watt July 25, 2020 at 5:33 PM Thanks Kim! I love that you love art!

Michelle Faulkner July 25, 2020 at 4:39 PM Abstract is so unknown, it is up to the viewer to decide what it is, maybe you need to view it with the colors of wisdom - this is clear and intelligent, will be coming back to this one (hopefully before I'm sixty!) John Watt July 25, 2020 at 4:44 PM Thank you, my artistry sibling! "The colors of wisdom" - I like that. Always grateful for you.

Janice Canerdy July 25, 2020 at 4:30 PM Skillfully-written, thought-provoking piece, John. Janice John Watt July 25, 2020 at 4:42 PM Thanks for the uplifting comment, Janice.

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart July 25, 2020 at 3:32 PM I absolutely love this poem John. A visual artist and art lover myself. This one is going in the faves. My best to you in the contest! xomo John Watt July 25, 2020 at 3:37 PM Thank you, Mo. Not everybody is ready to accept abstract as valid, or even life-enriching, and I humbly admit it took me years to get to that point. This was about that process. Thank you for the affirming comment and the fave, my friend!