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Where the Artist Once Stood

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Let me stand where the artist once stood, And see through this mist in my eyes What the artist once saw, though the paint is now cracked; Where the artist once stood. Let me breathe where the poet once breathed That same air, which she painted with words, In a swirl, never static, now swirling no more; Where the poet once breathed. Let me sit where the tunesmith once sat, Chiseling song from the faces gone by. Bring back all those faces that truth may return; Where the tunesmith once sat. Let me kneel where the gardener kneeled, Inhale that aroma of roses in bloom, Caressing their petals as soft as her face; Where the gardener kneeled. Let me walk where my lover once walked, And know beyond doubt’s reckless grief, Though abridged were her days, I may find love again; Where my lover once walked, Where my lover once walked.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020




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Date: 5/5/2020 8:21:00 PM
John, the emotional wistful beauty of your poem is amplified, in the most striking way, by the echoed verse in each stanza of the first line by the last.. a vestige of yearning that lingers on the heart for a few heartbeats before moving on to the next stanza. And, of course, it is twice as impactful with your last great refrain; "Where my lover once walked, /Where my lover once walked." Powerful poignancy and an exquisite masterwork. A Fav! Warmest wishes, my inspiring friend.. ~Susan P.S. Love the artwork too :))
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John Watt
Date: 5/20/2020 9:22:00 PM
Snap! I let this one get by, and I hate when that happens! My apologies... you are ever the observant reader, and the way you pick up on my endings every time is always a delight to me because I do try to my them "jump". Glad you liked the artwork too. I suppose I don't do "wistful" very often and dark even less, so it's nice to know this resonated. Thank you again, my dear friend!
Date: 5/3/2020 3:36:00 PM
Such a lovely piece John penned so excellently though sad but brings out the real meaning. Hope all well across the big pond, keep safe, Blessings, Gordon
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John Watt
Date: 5/3/2020 9:00:00 PM
Thank you dear Gordon, you are always to kind with your generous comments. God bless you today and throughout the week. Praying you and Christine both remain healthy ~ John
Date: 5/3/2020 2:24:00 PM
this is an absolute stunner, John. A FAVE. Did it win? Or maybe you just now submitted it. If you don't win, there is no justice for sure.
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John Watt
Date: 5/3/2020 3:07:00 PM
You always make my heart soar with your enthusiastic appraisals, Andrea. I love how affirming you are to your fellow poets, and believe me, coming from you it means so much. Thank you for that gift you have given for many years now. Hugs ~ John
Date: 5/3/2020 11:34:00 AM
What a moving sentiment ... to imagine oneself in the midst of inspiration as it was happening to all past greats: artists and poets alike (or perhaps those were all qualities of your late lover?). Wonderful poem to stir one's empathy...
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John Watt
Date: 5/3/2020 12:00:00 PM
(2) If I were to be placed in similar circumstances, would I be able to create such a work? This is as much about admiring artists as it is a sad tale of a lost love. Thanks for your insights Timothy, they are always a welcomed addition to my day ~ John
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John Watt
Date: 5/3/2020 11:59:00 AM
(1) Full disclosure: this was a fictional write. I've had relationships die, as I suppose we all have had, but never a lover die. But I do wonder sometimes when admiring a work of art, or hearing a great song, what circumstances inspired them.
Date: 5/3/2020 10:00:00 AM
John, such a memorable poem to read. Thank you for sharing your beautiful words. ~ Sonia
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John Watt
Date: 5/3/2020 11:55:00 AM
Thank you very much, Sonia! I don't write much in the sadness vein. I appreciate you reading and leaving behind your thoughtful words. ~ John

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