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The Picture on the Parlor Wall

All became purview in her constant gaze ~ eyes that followed, no matter my corner, nor settee where fleur-de-lis begged recline ~ and, no peace was found in voyeuristic laze. Even in the vestibule - through the door she stares ~ her beauty lingers there and captures daydreams that share this moment in time. I wonder ~ did the artist love her too, he, who captured every seductive line of wanting eyes and impatient grin? How can one wish they'd never met a painting without knowing ~ lost love...

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Mark Massey

Date: 10/19/2024 5:37:00 PM

Beautiful work, Craig…this reminds me of my sonnet “The Portrait”.

Tom Woody

Date: 9/19/2024 8:43:00 AM

You've captured the theme well. So many possibilities, as not every portrait will feature a beautiful lass. It will be interesting to see what folks come up with. Ahhh passive voyeurism, the blessings and the curses

Craig Cornish
Date: 9/20/2024 10:03:00 AM

Thanks so much Tom

Ink Empress

Date: 9/19/2024 8:29:00 AM

I have literally no words to express how this poem made me feel dear craigsz! So evocative so observant so deeply moving and soulful! Touching poem! That last line! Literally made my heart feel so much! Sometimes i do wonder too, looking at some pictures, of loved ones gone, of famous art etc. and this line made me think of specifically Mona Lisa “ did the artist love her too, he, who captured every seductive line of wanting eyes” and the opening with your clever wordplay is impressive! Impeccable write! A fave for me for so many reasons. Sending you light always

Craig Cornish
Date: 9/20/2024 11:41:00 AM

Very honored Inky and very perceptive, because I was inspired by that painting while writing this. I always write to my own contests and never have anything in mind as I post the contest, then bounce thoughts around for a few days (never/rarely spontaneous) - one thought was Wilde's, The Picture of Dorian Gray, yet it need not be a famous one but it must be "haunting/irresistible " in some way - and not detail but sort of "daydreamish" like the movie Somewhere in Time? So glad you enjoyed these thoughts!