The Old Painter

The Old Painter

sublime my paintings, memory be
lost in time, I now must see

where once the gale winds trembled chill
wrapped in blankets, remember still

a touch, a kiss, the summer sun
from deep within, must now be spun

I frolic to and fro in time
my brush, alas..... can only mime

I still can hear cicadas' whine
but yearn for yellow celandine

tho memories fade, my spirit thrives
aflush! my paintings will survive!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009


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Date: 5/19/2023 12:18:00 PM
oh what a delight this one is...the old woman at the park rushed to mind with her watercolors, easel, and brushes....i well understand the depth you take us to....no aim to become Picasso....just the joy of the art, the creating....thank you James...i sit here with mine enjoying yours...no better colleague along this path can one pray for....
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 5/19/2023 1:14:00 PM
Thanks Timothy! and same to you my long time soup friend!
Date: 11/23/2022 1:39:00 PM
Redolent of memories and longing Jimbo.' This reminds me of, what I can remember Also that which I try to grasp? To replay yet Its not possible, some recall is fading over Time.' Good to see your words touching others.'
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 11/23/2022 4:08:00 PM
Thanks for stoppin' by Joe! One of my favorite writes.... Happy Thanksgiving! tho I have family that won't celebrate any holidays, I just say it's an excuse to gather loved ones & care for each other, drop the mic...
Date: 9/14/2022 10:56:00 AM
I enjoyed reading this one today. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my pages. Sara
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Date: 7/4/2022 6:53:00 AM
Oh how i love this gem, James. Your poetry hopefully will also survive.
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 7/4/2022 7:26:00 AM
Thanks Harry! one of my favorites!
Date: 4/9/2022 6:18:00 AM
yes, what is left and surely the cave paintings in France speak loudly of how art chronicles and heralds the emergence of new paths....as well as those who inherit your paintings as they gaze upon a vision left to them from the skills of your brushes, your colors, and your seeing
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Date: 1/30/2021 8:51:00 AM
A powerful legacy to what we leave behind, a perennial vision, a tribute to life. Just beautiful, you paint a beautiful picture.
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Date: 2/22/2019 6:39:00 PM
Hello James Marshall Goff, I like this poem. Ifelt like i have stepped into your painting. Have a nice evening my friend.
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Date: 3/30/2017 6:24:00 PM
Wow! Celandine health benefits came with this piece; I had to look up this plants aka "nipplewort." art being crafted, even as memories flicker per archaic projectors on 2017 screens. loved the end: art will proclaim your impact, one's life! (I began acrylic on canvas 6 years ago, but U can paint James Goff) shalom/blessings.
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 3/31/2017 5:24:00 AM
Thank you Brother! you are most kind!
Date: 3/30/2017 6:57:00 AM
Ahh! What a stunning piece. An artist capturing the fading memories amidst a spirit still very much alive. A solid 7!
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 3/30/2017 5:29:00 PM
Thanks for warm comment, Gayle!
Date: 10/13/2016 6:59:00 AM
Great old painter..!
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Date: 12/24/2015 10:16:00 AM
One word, beautiful.
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Date: 10/31/2015 11:24:00 AM
Beautiful! I see why this is your readers' best choice, Jim. Loved the " I still can hear cicadas' whine but yearn for yellow celandine." 7 and hugs!
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Date: 8/23/2015 8:12:00 AM
Still will survive and perfect. We have cicadas here in north Carolina, Jim Horn, Bolivia, NC and Redmond, WA in the past.
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Date: 4/22/2015 7:29:00 AM
And, so too, shall these words survive and give pause to their readers to reflect on their own legacy in time, the survival of spirit and thought AND their willingness and ability to share such. Thanks so much for sharing with us.....me, in particular.
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Date: 4/21/2015 4:39:00 PM
There is an interesting use of punctuation here. Can only guess that single periods are not being used. Am wondering if a period after celandine would be correct. The space may work but. . . A poet that is good at leaving out punctuation and working with pauses in language is A.R. Ammons. This poem is a fun read, had to think about it.
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 4/22/2015 6:59:00 AM
Thank you for stopping by, GD....punctuation after any line in this poem would clutter.....read aloud, punctuation is not needed, I have provided rhythmic couplets to ripple like gently rolling waves off Lake Superior...thank you for reading direction, and agree with the beauty (and simplicity, i adhere to, much of my work!) of A.R. Ammons....jmg
Date: 4/21/2015 9:52:00 AM
Deep and thought provoking poem I really enjoyed it
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Date: 4/20/2015 3:37:00 PM
Hi James: a beautiful rhyme. I like the idea of the cicada creating a span of time. great Write!
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Date: 4/20/2015 3:29:00 PM
Lovely and very detailed picture of your creative soul - your forever child-like soul shines through as well!Wonderful!
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Date: 4/20/2015 2:48:00 PM
Awesome ;)
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Date: 4/20/2015 1:26:00 PM
Well canvassed painting. The vivid image I see a 7. Blessings eve
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Date: 4/20/2015 12:40:00 PM
great poem but I think you mean cicadas and not cicada' s whine..... no offence
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 4/21/2015 7:17:00 AM
thank you, Valerie! I did change it....much better! I like the way you let me know....very cool.....thanks again, jim
Date: 10/16/2014 6:29:00 AM
Great poem. When and where did you write. The Nolte's live in Lancaster, PA area and there are also Goff's living there. Is that your neck of the woods? Jim Horn, Bolivia, NC. My family settled in Lancaster from Germany back in the late 1800's and lived on Locust Street. Jim Horn
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Date: 11/28/2012 4:40:00 AM
I just ran across this poem. I love it. Such a wonderful poem you have written here.
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Date: 1/11/2010 4:56:00 AM
Good poetry like good wine. It leaves an aftertaste. James, your poem is worthy of praise and triumph. Truly yours, Oleg
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Date: 1/5/2010 8:25:00 AM
I love this--its light rhythm, soft imagery, and overall idea. This is my favourite part: "I frolic to and fro in time my brush, alas..... can only mime."
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