Inspired by GK8, Devenish Round Tower, County Fermanagh
The Photo
calls to her, connecting her to
seals’ song and long-dead monks in stilled prayer.
Older spirits drift on the verdant green–
warriors, sailors, queens—the unseen seen—brush her mind,
a sea breeze caresses her face, she tastes the salt
of ocean and tears—the gulls cry “welcome.”
She has never been here, but she knows it
like a dream.
Inspired by JPL8 and AWD8
Eyes in the Sky
nameless faces in windowless rooms point,
deadly birds soar within minutes
skyward glances blinded, laughs silenced,
buildings tumble—cities screech and cry
in contrapuntal configurations of steel and bone—
worlds turn upside-down.
I am once again participating in Paul Brookes’ April Ekphrastic Challenge. Each day, I will post my poem(s) here. You can see the art and read the other responses by going to Paul’s site here.
The artists are Gaynor Kane, John Phandal Law, and Anjum Wasim Dar. Thank you for your wonderful and inspiring art!
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Reblogged this on The Wombwell Rainbow.
Two places, two times, connected by the stupidity of warfare.
Yes, indeed.
I just love how paradoxal these two lines are:
“She has never been here, but she knows it
like a dream.”
“[C]ontrapuntal configurations of steel and bone” is the line in “Eyes in the Sky” that punched me in the gut.
Thank you so much, Liz. I felt so drawn to the photo–I couldn’t stop thinking about it or that place. I’ve never been there though.
A gut-punch reaction means I did my job!
Yes, the poet did her job!
😊
Wow! I love these two so very different poems. I agree with Liz on both her comments.
Thank you so much, Dale! 💙
My pleasure! 🧡
Such beautiful and moving poetry Merril.
Thank you, Rene!
You’re so welcome !
💙
💙🦋
These work well as a pair. The first one is so magical, the second too real. (K)
Thank you very much. Yes, I needed to do two separate ones for this set.
A striking contrast between two powerful poems, Merril!
Thank you very much, Ingrid!
What you have given to that photograph is stunning – “seals’ song and long-dead monks in stilled prayer” is just one line that sets us reflecting. And you have smacked us hard with the eyes
Thank you so very much, Derrick! Much appreciated.