Inspired by all three works of art by John Law, Kerfe Roig, and Jane Cornwell
“Chrysanthemum”
-John Law
“Turtle netsuke with rabbit”
-Kerfe Roig
Is it once upon a time, or always and forever,
the wind and sky whisper
the sound of light and shadow,
timebound and timeless? Like magic, the flowers come,
white snowdrops, then red roses, and finally autumn golden
chrysanthemums, a wave of sunglow against the browning earth–
and turtle, ancient and wise, moves
through each season, each year, steady–
does he carry the impulsive rabbit?
So, the elders say. Be like the turtle, cautious, constant,
they warn you, do not go out alone,
your dark cloak will turn blood-red–
woman-child, it is your sin, remember
you must not tempt the wolves.
But like a turtle, you are wise. You know a man is not a wolf,
that it doesn’t matter what you wear—
and you dream—and this is the story you tell your children–
you are seed and flower,
turtle, rabbit, and wolf, howling–
you are earth and sky
living beyond time, hearing
the sound of light and shadow, always and forever,
once upon a time.
This is for Paul Brookes annual National Poetry Month Ekphrastic Challenge. Check out his site for all the poets and artists. There are more poets participating than are listed in the title.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Fantadtic imagery used here , I really like this piece .
Thank you so much, Andy!
Just so beautiful Merril, especially the ending! It must have been a tough task to weave all three artworks into a poem but you certainly rose to the challenge!
Thank you ver much, Ingrid.
I thought they all seemed like images from fairy tales or folk tales, it was just realizing that it was all part of the same story.
Wonderful twist on Red Riding hood, Merril!
Thank you so much, Charlotte!
Very neatly topical
Thank you very much, Derrick.
Thoughtful messages for all of time in this beautifully composed poem ….
Thank you so much, Helen!
This may be my favorite of yours ever. The strands weave together into a universal song. (K)
Wow–thank you so much, Kerfe!
It took some time before I realized it was one story.
That’s amazing, Merril! You sound like a seer!
Thank you, Resa! Just a vivid imagination. 😀
Cool! 😀
😀
Reblogged this on The Wombwell Rainbow.
Thank you, Paul!
You wrote the story of life into a poem. Life for women, anyway. A fairy tale for some 🙂
Thank you. Yes, you’re right. 😀
All the images looked like tairy tale or folk tale images to me.
And they have a sort of wisdom, or at least they reflect what was perceived as wisdom.
Yes, I think so, too.
I love how you were able to move through the images to create one cohesive poem. I was fascinating to watch your mind at work through the lens of the poem. I liked the poem itself, too! 🙂
Thanks so much, Liz. I guess I did work my way through. I’m glad you enjoyed it.😀
You’re welcome, Merril. 😀
Wonderful how you wove the images with your words… Through the eyes of women…
Thank you very much, Dale!
Always…
💙
🧡
Kudos! What a challenge to weave all three images together, but you did it and splendidly 🙂
Thank you so much, Marie! 💙