Johannes Vermeer, “Woman Holding a Balance”
I’m pleased that my small poem, “In the Balance,” was among those selected as a response to the Vermeer painting “Woman Holding a Balance” for the most recent challenge in the Ekphrastic Review. My thanks to editor Lorette C. Luzajic for choosing my poem, along with such excellent poems and short prose pieces. You can read them all here.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Congratulations, Merril! It’s a lovely poem. I may be a little bias, but yours should have been at the top. Enjoy your weekend!
Aww–you’re sweet, Jill. Thank you!
I don’t think placement has anything to do with quality, but those first two were excellent.
Oh, I know…I was joking about the placement. 🙂
😀 I appreciate the sentiment!
I’m with Jill… yours should have been on top 😉
Beautiful poem, Merril.
Thank you very much, Dale! 😀
You bet! Course, I am biased 😉
😘
Congratulations.
Thank you very much!
Wonderful – congratulations.
I take comfort from the goddess pause – she sees that we all need a little extra hope!
Thank you so much!
I have to comfort myself with such hopes. 😏
Congratulations, Merrill! Wonderful work!
Thank you so much, Sheila!
Congratulations! I do like your poem. Just the right…balance 🙂 The Oracle helped with this one, I think.
Hahaha. Thank you! I think she helps with a lot of my poems. 😏
I agree about the quality of it too—up there at the top of the list. The first couple of poems are good, but not better.
Aww–thank you! 😀
🙂
Congratulations, and well deserved. I agree about the Oracle. (K)
Thank you very much, Kerfe. She always seems to be around.
Congratulations! You are always at the head of the class in my books, Merril.
Hahaha. Thank you very much, Marian! 😀
I love how people had such varied interpretations. Yours was excellent. This is an interesting picture when you really start to look at it. I think she’s pregnant, and I’m sure the balance represents something important but different to everyone. The best part is her Madonna-like expression – she could be contemplating many things – maybe even murder – how much could she get for those jewels?
Thank you very much!
Yes, it was fun to see the great variety of responses, and I agree it is an interesting painting. She could be pregnant, or it could be her clothing. And you’re right that she could be contemplating so many things. 🙂
I am with Jill. Actually, your poem shows how few words can matter more than verses that go on and on. “Balancing despair,” indeed.
Thank you very much, Pam! I’m been working on that skill, so I’m glad it worked here.
Congratulations on a most insightful poem
Thank you, Derrick!
Big smile.
Thank you! 😀
This has such a good meaning that gives it a lasting effect. I liked the way it has both balance and breadth within your words, Merril. This is an honor to have been published here: Sincere congratulations. 💐
Thank you very much, Robin!❤️