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The Ravine of the Peyroulets - Vincent Van Gogh

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the land is formed I watch on - still as time itself clutched by contradictions my chest hurting - opposing this steady flow of thought how could I observe such a thing time is not still land not shaped before my eyes complexity cannot be rushed each and every brush stroke takes me closer to understanding yet - understanding itself - distances me like nothing else ever could those simple solutions the flat plains you see - they aren't the ravine in your view rocks don't fall sides don't slope by God, I cannot follow your path cannot frolic in this place every path of mine is beautiful danger it requires stillness contemplation it is a different landscape I yearn for the steadied seat yet mine must be dug into stone piles my core strength activated at all times the threat of a fall needs constant attention stillness is knowing - the ravine was forged the same way it flows to the ocean and rests there acknowledging this beauty I see it's a caress for a troubled soul I wish I could translate it beyond the paint

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 5/26/2025 6:41:00 AM
A path that cant easily be followed. Dangerous beauty as it twists and winds its way to the sea without moving, and you have given movement to highlight the winding twisting ravine, made wet and slippery by the splashing cascade. I bow to the Queen of Ekphrasis.
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Di11y Da11y
Date: 5/26/2025 1:26:00 PM
Too cute Wen :) thank you for having a read of this one. It was a mediative to write, which is the main aim :) always lovely to spot you in my comments x
Date: 5/23/2025 4:56:00 PM
This is a gorgeous read, I'm so glad Brian 'highlighted' for everybody's sake! CayCay
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Di11y Da11y
Date: 5/23/2025 10:33:00 PM
Thanks CayCay, glad you liked it :)
Date: 5/23/2025 10:24:00 AM
Dear DD, As someone who has read all van goghs letters hah, i cant help but think as i read this that is exactly what he must have had in mind as he painted this especially the lines “ clutched by contradictions my chest hurting - opposing this steady flow of thought” how soul hitting and moving and poignant! Your way with interpreting artwork is a whole different level! You read between brushstrokes and give something so emotive and that makes your poems emanate heartbeats of life! I absolutely loved this takr on the art! Best wishes! I think i should quickly write a hiku too hah . Sending you light always!
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Di11y Da11y
Date: 5/23/2025 10:51:00 AM
Haha I love that fact! I actually read parts of letters associated with this one and read up on ravines a little too. He'd said he had to dig his "easel in between the stones lest the wind should blow the whole caboodle over" and I repurposed that line. For some reason I don't think I'd seen this painting previously to the day I wrote this poem, I'm always surprised when I discover a new one (or perhaps it hits different and I notice it). Your high praise is a pleasure to receive, I really enjoyed writing this one and it felt immersive as I wrote, which I love. I did draw on my hiku/shape skills to mirror the ravine - that was fun! Oh and thanks for the light :)

Book: Reflection on the Important Things