Inspired by all three works of art.
What Is
Grey winter days
brightened by her crayon—
she chooses red–then
blue, green, and yellow,
the world becomes
a garden of flowers, an enchanted place
with magical glowing creatures
her life
no longer in shadows
(when she was a boy)
no why,
simply is
full of light and color.
When I was writing this poem, I did a quick consult with the Oracle, and the words boy and life stood out. It made me think of this song, “When I was a Boy,” by Dar Williams. I can still remember the first time I heard it. Dar Williams is a big favorite of my children, too.
My poems don’t always seem to make it into his posts, but 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 
wonderful
Thank you very much, Beth!
I love the poem, particularly “no why, simply is.” That is how creative expression should be. Thank you for posting “When I Was a Boy.” I hadn’t heard it before.
Thank you so much, Liz.
My children and I like Dar Williams a lot. 😊
You’re welcome, Merril.
That magical place of childhood. I can remember clearly the dividing line between then and after. (K)
Interesting. I don’t remember any sort of dividing line.
It was 5th grade for me. All of a sudden I had to worry about what everyone thought about me. I was no longer free.
I never had that. I guess I already felt different.
Perhaps I was just oblivious. Before that I was just a kid, then all of a sudden I was a girl, and expected to behave accordingly.
I probably placed my own expectations on myself. I don’t remember anything like that from my family.
Then seemed like a simpler place where we asked fewer questions. Or maybe just different ones. I don’t know Dar Williams. Different childhoods 🙂
I think I always had questions–perhaps not voiced. I don’t know that my childhood was simpler–just different.
I discovered Dar Williams as an adult. I think this song is from her first album, but then I played it for my kids who were still young. Daughter and I have seen her in concert a couple of times.
An enchanting poem, Merril! 😊
Thank you, Ingrid! 😊
Reblogged this on The Wombwell Rainbow.
Thank you, Paul.
This is absolutely enchanting! Love the addition of the song. I didn’t know her!
Thank you! She’s a favorite here.
With good reason
😊
Bursting out of the grey
Yes, indeed. 😊
I love your ending,
“no why,
simply is
full of light and color.”
Thank you so much, Ali! 😊
Merrill, I’m not familiar with the project you’re participating in, but I just dropped in and saw your poem. There is so much in those few verses… beautiful! I also appreciated you sharing the Dar Williams song. I had not heard of her before. I may just feature it on my blog! Thank you for sharing your artistry.
Thank you so much, Steve. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving such a kind comment. You can follow the link, if you’re interested in the project. It’s for April (poetry month). Dar Williams is really excellent. My daughter and I have seen her perform a few times.