James Marshall Goff Poet Couplet

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!

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Timothy Ray May 19, 2023 at 12:18 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.... James Marshall Goff May 19, 2023 at 1:14 PM Thanks Timothy! and same to you my long time soup friend!

Joe Maverick November 23, 2022 at 1:39 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.' James Marshall Goff November 23, 2022 at 4:08 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...

Sara Kendrick September 14, 2022 at 10:56 AM I enjoyed reading this one today. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my pages. Sara

Harry Horsman July 4, 2022 at 6:53 AM Oh how i love this gem, James. Your poetry hopefully will also survive. James Marshall Goff July 4, 2022 at 7:26 AM Thanks Harry! one of my favorites!

Timothy Ray April 9, 2022 at 6:18 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

Paulette Calasibetta January 30, 2021 at 8:51 AM A powerful legacy to what we leave behind, a perennial vision, a tribute to life. Just beautiful, you paint a beautiful picture.

Darlene De Beaulieu February 22, 2019 at 6:39 PM Hello James Marshall Goff, I like this poem. Ifelt like i have stepped into your painting. Have a nice evening my friend.

Anil Deo March 30, 2017 at 6:24 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. James Marshall Goff March 31, 2017 at 5:24 AM Thank you Brother! you are most kind!

Gayle Rodd March 30, 2017 at 6:57 AM Ahh! What a stunning piece. An artist capturing the fading memories amidst a spirit still very much alive. A solid 7! James Marshall Goff March 30, 2017 at 5:29 PM Thanks for warm comment, Gayle!

Angad Ps October 13, 2016 at 6:59 AM Great old painter..!

Margaret Foster December 24, 2015 at 10:16 AM One word, beautiful.

Kp Nunez October 31, 2015 at 11:24 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!

James Horn August 23, 2015 at 8:12 AM Still will survive and perfect. We have cicadas here in north Carolina, Jim Horn, Bolivia, NC and Redmond, WA in the past.

Robert Candler April 22, 2015 at 7:29 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.

Graphite Drug April 21, 2015 at 4:39 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. James Marshall Goff April 22, 2015 at 6:59 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

Patrycjusz Kopec April 21, 2015 at 9:52 AM Deep and thought provoking poem I really enjoyed it

Ralph Sergi April 20, 2015 at 3:37 PM Hi James: a beautiful rhyme. I like the idea of the cicada creating a span of time. great Write!

Susan Clark April 20, 2015 at 3:29 PM Lovely and very detailed picture of your creative soul - your forever child-like soul shines through as well!Wonderful!

Debbie Duncan April 20, 2015 at 2:48 PM Awesome ;)

Eve Roper April 20, 2015 at 1:26 PM Well canvassed painting. The vivid image I see a 7. Blessings eve

Valerie Bellefleur April 20, 2015 at 12:40 PM great poem but I think you mean cicadas and not cicada' s whine..... no offence James Marshall Goff April 21, 2015 at 7:17 AM thank you, Valerie! I did change it....much better! I like the way you let me know....very cool.....thanks again, jim

James Horn October 16, 2014 at 6:29 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

Jon A Cavanaugh November 28, 2012 at 4:40 AM I just ran across this poem. I love it. Such a wonderful poem you have written here.

Oleg Borisov January 11, 2010 at 4:56 AM Good poetry like good wine. It leaves an aftertaste. James, your poem is worthy of praise and triumph. Truly yours, Oleg

Krystal Cochrane January 5, 2010 at 8:25 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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