The Grammar of Love
Learning lines
conjugating verbs–
yearn, yearns, yearn-
ing for life—
you are a full stop,
I want commas–love, and more.
A last-minute shadorma for Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday prompt. It’s an ekphrastic challenge inspired by this painting. I don’t like the painting, especially the young man. And it isn’t helped by knowing Waldmüller was one of Hitler’s favorite artists.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Well dang… That changes my mind on the painting, totally!
However, I do love your shadorma!
Thank you, Dale!
I kind of feel like I ruined the painting for everyone, which was not my intention. I was just trying to explain my own feelings. We all like different things. 😬
My pleasure.
And nah… you didn’t. Art is subjective and this piece affects you the way it does. Not a thing wrong with that!!
What an unexpected take on the prompt painting! “[Y]ou are a full stop” is a powerful metaphor and, I would expect, true to the expected male/female roles of the time.
Thank you very much, Liz.
I’m so pleased you understood what I meant!
You’re welcome, Merril.
The shadorma succeeds, even if the painting isn’t to your liking, Merril!
Thank you, Marian. 😉
I want commas…. Love it, Merril!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Thank you so much, Yvette!
Well said, Merril!
Thank you!
Nicely done, Merril
Thank you, Derrick.
Thanks for that bit of information Merril. It definitely changes the painting.
And I like your interpretation. “I want commas”–yes, much better than endings. (K)
Thank you, Kerfe.
I’m so pleased you like “I want commas.” 🙂
I apologize for my lack of knowledge in art history, Merril. Had I know this fact, I would not have shared the painting. However, I appreciate your candor and for submitting your shadorma. ❤️
Hi Colleen–you should not censor yourself. One cannot know what might appeal to others, and the artist had nothing to do with it. Hitler like Beethoven, too! 😉
I hope my shadorma stands alone.
Your shadorma stands alone and captures another viewpoint. Thanks always for your support, Merril. It means much to me.
Thank you, and you’re welcome, Colleen. 😊
I imagine there were many women then (and now) who chafed at not being allowed to do other things.
I agree. And I’m sensitive to those issues as well.
I know you are!
I hope I didn’t ruin the painting for everyone!
Of course not!! I want you to say how you feel and be authentic. We all should all say what’s in our hearts. That’s what poets and writers do!! ❤️ But, I wouldn’t have used the painting if I’d known the connection to Hitler. That bothered me.
Pingback: #TankaTuesday Weekly #Poetry Challenge No. 319, 5/9/2023 – Word Craft Poetry
Very interesting, I had no idea that Hitler liked this painter .
I like your poem it’s very clever. 💜
Thank you so much, Willow. I’m so pleased you think it clever!💙
I did very much so 💜
😊
So good!
Thank you!
LOL, well, an interesting take anyway. I really like the girl though. She’s a dreamer, but also practical as can be seen by her clothing (hem length, colors, etc.) She’s also very self-contained. The boy has got to a joke. I mean really.
Thanks for weighing in. 😉
You are welcome hah.
🙂
Why not, if I may ask? ❤
~David
I don’t want to offend anyone who loves it. We all have different tastes. It’s just too sentimental for me, and he just seems ridiculous. It’s like books and magazines marketed as “wholesome.” I’ll stop there. 🙂
I’m not offended at all – I was just curious 😀
No, I didn’t mean you, but maybe someone thinks this is the best painting ever. I didn’t want to go into detail. 🙂
Hi Merril, this really is an interesting interpretation. I didn’t write for this prompt as the picture didn’t inspire anything.
Thank you very much, Roberta.
Well, as you saw, I didn’t love the painting. 🙂