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Unheralded Prince

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Upwards you gazed, poignantly painting me like no one had before, nor has done since. Concentric white and yellow circles. Free of any common bearing or pretense. I'd seen idyllic villages before - The steepled church in sacred echo of the cypress, looking down in fond rapport, as olive trees embrace the town with love. But never have I seen hills so inflamed, nor moon so agitated and insane, nor indigo sky eddies so untamed; grappling to find the answers to life's pain. Vincent, you were art's unheralded prince, Like no one was before, nor has been since. (an ekphrasis of Vincent Van Gogh's "The Starry Night")

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Andrea Dietrich

Date: 8/16/2020 2:50:00 PM

Now what the heck is going on here? I recall seeing some other poets writing on this picture and for the life of me, I cannot recall ever a contest on this topic!! how did I ever miss it? I love that painting! Maybe I just never tried the contest because I just looked down here and saw it was Nina's. Probably it was the time I saw her at her blog saying she wanted description that was unique, and that must have made me throw my hands up in despair. Congrats on what looks like was a top win.

Sam Kauffman

Date: 7/12/2020 10:39:00 PM

John, how did I miss sending you congratulations! This is amazing. I think Vincent from the front office would approve - looks like a contract extension to me! Blessings my friend!

John Watt
Date: 7/12/2020 10:49:00 PM

Your comments always bring a smile (and a baseball chuckle)! Thanks for that!

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 7/10/2020 10:29:00 AM

Interesting write! Congratulations, John! Art and poetry, stars and paintings merge! Congratulations!

John Watt
Date: 7/10/2020 5:41:00 PM

Kim, that means a lot to me, thank you ~ John

Anisha Dutta

Date: 7/10/2020 7:53:00 AM

Splendid gorgeous sonnet. Wonderful composition. Amazing imagery. I am charmed with your winning poem. BIG CONGRATS.

John Watt
Date: 7/10/2020 5:41:00 PM

Thank you for the effusive compliments, Anisha, I'm honored ~ John

Janice Canerdy

Date: 7/9/2020 8:40:00 PM

This is a vividly descriptive, excellent, moving WINNING poem John! Janice

John Watt
Date: 7/9/2020 9:20:00 PM

What a lovely thing to say, Janice! Thank you for your gracious comment ~ John

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 7/9/2020 10:47:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. What a "Creative" pen you have. Your inspiration was working overtime. Enjoy your wonderful win and day.

John Watt
Date: 7/9/2020 9:16:00 PM

Thank you, my friend. So kind of you to say so. Hope all is well with you and yours. Warmly ~ John

Aditi Mishra

Date: 7/9/2020 1:12:00 AM

Ah! This is so gorgeous John. A mystic version of the story behind a masterpiece by Vincent. This painting has multiple layers to be comprehended with several emotions. Your words skillfully paint a sublime version of intriguing emotions. Congratulations on your splendid win dear friend. Always happy to see your name in the list of winners. Keep inspiring me with your creativity. :)

John Watt
Date: 7/9/2020 4:56:00 PM

Thank you for taking time to read both of my starry night poems. I wrote one for the Star contest then realized it was too long for the requirements. So I distilled it into this sonnet, but really liked the free verse one, and decided to keep both. Thank you for the congrats and the inspiring words, Aditi ~ John

Jeanne Mcgee

Date: 7/8/2020 10:30:00 PM

One of my favorite painters of that period with his alignment to the stars through his brush and mind. Wonderful write John. Wonderful choice. Congrats on your top win.

John Watt
Date: 7/9/2020 4:28:00 PM

Thanks for your great comment and congrats, Jeanne. I sent you a follow up soupmail. Take care, my friend ~ John

Eve Roper

Date: 7/8/2020 10:23:00 PM

Vincent was a person of a different mind. Great write and imagery. Congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve

John Watt
Date: 7/9/2020 4:27:00 PM

He certainly was, Eve. His love of nature, people, and color has lifted my spirits many times. Hugs ~ John

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/8/2020 10:10:00 PM

Back with a Wow! Congratulations, John, on your trophy win in Nina's highly competitive contest! Way to go! Cheers, Gershon

John Watt
Date: 7/9/2020 4:24:00 PM

Back with another thanks! Appreciate your taking notice and making the return trip ~ John

John Hamilton

Date: 7/8/2020 8:37:00 PM

What an excellent write John, funny I was thinking of using Don McLeans Vincent as inspiration for my new contest, but Vangelis won out, congrats on a fine win!

John Watt
Date: 7/9/2020 4:24:00 PM

We must be in sync! I hope you'll be able to use that song for a future contest. I am a fan of both Don McLean and Vangelis, so it's a win-win for me. Thanks for the friendly visit, my friend!

Eric Cohen

Date: 7/8/2020 8:17:00 PM

John, truly top notch stuff. Creative and well crafted. I especially like reading it with Don McLean playing and looking at the pic. It all works for me. I'll be back to read/see/hear this again. Eric

John Watt
Date: 7/9/2020 4:21:00 PM

Eric, I greatly appreciate your thoughtful reply. I finally learned how to embed a youtube video to include with a poem; this was my first stab at it, and I'm glad you could enjoy it. Your winning entry was just so wonderful to read ~ John

Lonna Blodgett

Date: 7/8/2020 7:56:00 PM

What an amazing write John!!! I will read this one over and over again.

John Watt
Date: 7/9/2020 4:18:00 PM

Lonna, so nice to hear from you, my poetry friend. I'm glad you enjoyed this one so much. Take care ~ John

Maureen Mcgreavy

Date: 7/8/2020 6:56:00 PM

Wow. Gorgeous and so creative. Wonderful piece John. Congratulations for your win! xomo

John Watt
Date: 7/8/2020 7:20:00 PM

Thank you, Pidge. Your words mean a lot to me ~ John

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 7/8/2020 4:05:00 PM

Congrats, dear friend. I'm so glad you wrote something I could relate to. Such a gem of poetic insight into one of my favorite images. God bless you always, dear John.

John Watt
Date: 7/8/2020 4:43:00 PM

Thank you very much, Gina. I am always glad to hear a friend is able to relate to something I've written. Appreciate you and your kind words. God bless you!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/7/2020 6:30:00 PM

I believe that your interpretation of the top part of Van Gogh's work is just that, John -- tops! It seems to me that you've pinpointed its essence and the artist's intent. Superb! :) gw

John Watt
Date: 7/7/2020 8:16:00 PM

You are knowledgeable in many fields, my friend! I always appreciate your great comments ~ John

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders

Date: 7/7/2020 12:26:00 PM

Wow, I love this ekphrasis, John! You chose a perfect painting for inspiration. It's one of my favorites, too. GL in the contest..hugs, Rhonda xx

John Watt
Date: 7/7/2020 8:15:00 PM

Thank you Rhonda! Nice to know of fellow art lovers on the site. Appreciate your kind words ~ John

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 7/6/2020 3:57:00 PM

That painting is just glorious and you have honored it so eloquently, 'nor indigo sky eddies so untamed' - that one's my favorite! Hope this gets a placement!

John Watt
Date: 7/6/2020 4:15:00 PM

Thank you for pointing out that line Michelle, I think it is my favorite too. Appreciate the kind words, my artistry sibling ~ John

Mark Koplin

Date: 7/6/2020 3:13:00 PM

A wonderfully written piece! Thanks for sharing.

John Watt
Date: 7/6/2020 4:11:00 PM

Glad you stopped by Mark, and glad you liked it. I appreciate your comment ~ John

Ilene Bauer

Date: 7/6/2020 3:09:00 PM

such an amazing painting, john, which you have captured beautifully in your poem. i hope you've had the chance to see it in person...

John Watt
Date: 7/6/2020 4:10:00 PM

No, sadly. The last time I was in the city was with a high school tour group in 1976. The MOMA wasn't on the itinerary. It will be when I ever get back there though! That and a street vendor pretzel with ilene! Thanks for the kind words ~ John

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 7/6/2020 11:41:00 AM

As an artist I can understand he frustration, lol, I was painting an angel today and I had to put the brush down, for a while, lovely poem , your tribute to him was insightful, Have a blessed day dear John.

John Watt
Date: 7/6/2020 2:52:00 PM

You being an artist have a sympathetic view of other artists and of what I am hoping to communicate here. I am not a painter, but have much admiration for those who are gifted in the fine arts. Blessings, my friend ~ John

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/5/2020 11:13:00 PM

I knew it was Van Gogh’s Starry Night without noticing the artwork as your words described it to perfection.

John Watt
Date: 7/6/2020 12:27:00 AM

Thanks Caren, it's always been a fave painting of mine and I finally decided to write about it. Take care ~ John