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Tuesday 23 August 2011

Lovers in the brain

When an image throws a switch inside the brain
it is as though the relays were hard-wired,
connections there preformed or ready-made;
as if the image had some close affinity
with something that responded from the depths
of what it really is, this human frame.

It is as though the brain had always known,
was simply waiting for the form to show.
And even if we have to work and analyse
to understand the meaning of the form for us,
we can be happy for the unions
of lovers in the brain with their beloveds,
inamoratas - arabesques and moulded clays.

Affinities come in a range of guises:
simplicity's the simplest one I know,
a lean and pared down vision of a face,
a landscape or a beer can or a shoe.
The simplest - and most potent - one I know,
the visual metaphor, appeals to me:
two images combining in the mind -
sometimes a metaphor for something else.

Simplicity alone can spell such convolution -
and even then it needs the active mind.
The artist paints beyond the picture frame:
the world outside the image is his game.

The dream state and its image spring to mind:
the unexpected snogs the everyday
and every inessential cast away -
a pattern replicated, I maintain
in every image with the power to move a man.


14 comments:

Misterio Vida said...

yes ... a single image can change a life forever :)

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Dave, your poetry is so effortless. It looks as though the words just flow on paper when you start writing.

Mary said...

I love thinking about images throwing a switch inside the brain. It is nice sometime to follow where the brain wanders, in poetry or in life.

Deborah said...

Brilliant!

Louise said...

Images can inspire so much, and the great part is we are constantly surprised.

Gerry Snape said...

great poem...great concept...you are right Dave ...images and asounds can start an avalanche of thoughts spilling out !

Victoria said...

Nice flow to this poem, Dave. The image that caught my eye is the one about painting outside the frame. Yeah!

Mishilicious Mishi said...

"Affinities come in a range of guises:
simplicity's the simplest one I know,
a lean and pared down vision of a face,
a landscape or a beer can or a shoe.
The simplest - and most potent - one I know,
the visual metaphor, appeals to me:
two images combining in the mind -
sometimes a metaphor for something else..."...

loved this part most..this works for me too:-)

beautiful concept Dave!

Windsmoke. said...

I reckon our brains are hard wired right from the time of conception :-).

Hannah Stephenson said...

Oh wow! I love the ideas in this one....communication and sight and thought. I just saw this exhibit today at the MoMA, which is right in line with your poem: http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/1080

kaykuala said...

Beautiful flow. The brain works wonders. Use it or lose it so it seemed. Dementia is kept at bay with poetry writing. Is it true!

Dave King said...

Muhammad
Indeed - either way, of course.

Rachna
Sometimes they do - alas, not often!

Mary
Absolutely. I don't agree with those who say that art cannot change a thing. On the personal level it can - and does. Beyond that, I think the jury is out.

Deborah
I'm blushing, but ta!

120 Socks
I agree with that, completely. The power of an image can be amazing.

Gerry
True. And of course, in an avalanche, every little helps!

Victoria
Yes, it is something that has begun to exercise my mind just recently. I think it is a powerful concept.

Mishi
Useful to know, a really helpful response. Thank you.

Windsmoke
Some connections must be, yes.

Hannah
Thanks very much for the response - and for the link. I shall certainly follow that.

kaykuala
Very wise. There is a lot of truth in that, I'm sure.

Rose said...

Very interesting write. Two images combining in the mind sometimes a metaphor for something else - There is enough complexity in this statement then you start the next verse with Simplicity alone ... Very clever structure to this piece, verse by verse.

Dave King said...

Rose
Sorry so tardy in reply, but your comment very much appreciated - really useful feedback.