your moment of concentration
has me mesmerised
I'm no longer a poet ~
just a fool with unuttered longing
this day already drew its close
but I can steady my weary gaze
settle it upon you
all but your beauty ebbs away ~
I look on with tired eyes
"lit by a match"
I'm half dreaming ~
my favoured state
and you
within arm's reach
as I drift aloft
caught between the shadows and smoke
that swirl together
one last time
Inspired by The Sulphur Match by John Singer Sargent
John Singer Sargent
with oils his particular bent
Portraits of the 'nouveaux riche'
he created a successful niche
POSING FOR JOHN SINGER SARGENT
ruby red velvet
exquisite gown, silver shoes
snow white countenance
pinched red cheeks, ebony hair
Mrs. Hugh Hammerslay smiles
8/5/2020
Sargent’s Madame X is not just a socialite,
she is rather the embodiment of French aristocracy.
Pale as moonlight,
poised, brimming with dignity;
her crown is an ode to the huntress.
And yet, her dark and dangerously low-cut dress,
the accentuated curves
sing of a sweet and suggestive mystery.
She is at once formidable and submissive,
the tempest and tranquility.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 24/08/17
Based on The Portrait of Madame X by John Singer Sargent.
http://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ap/original/DT91.jpg
Eyes of the past
Look into the present,
Seeking the future,
muted by time-
gagged by the grave
Note Although not inspired by this poem ,the painting seemed to fit
http://jssgallery.org/Paintings/Daughters_of_Edward_Darley_Boit.htm
by John Singer Sargent ,noted for his society portraits
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