Prompt from The Mag. Find them at http://magpietales.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/mag-113.html
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Paths float above the roof tops, birds assume
a lover's alter ego.
Red tiles are precious stones along the way,
wild flowers stand in for love's bouquets.
Look at the flowers,
will you but call them cultured?
Are they not wild?
How will you tell?
The difference is as between a dream and reverie.
Starred crystals spangle earth
as much as ever they did sky.
Along these paths the lovers meet or part
or wander hand in hand.
Old men who in their youth were birds,
who soared beyond their promise and their powers
in targeting their prey, now carry home
their ancient scrolls or groceries.
Their days of spiralling quite past, they always knew
the lightness could not last. Who now
will jeopardise safe earth and home
for what the eagle sees? But they did once -
and what they did, they do again in dream.
Your lovely poem perfectly captures the atmosphere of this painting.
ReplyDeleteLove it - love the old men and their groceries.
ReplyDeleteAnna :o]
HIgh quality writing with some telling images, especially the "old men . . . with their ancient scrolls of groceries."
ReplyDeleteYes...thank goodness for dreams and those memories. A beautiful write.
ReplyDeleteYou are truly a poet.
ReplyDeleteTo create something so lovely from that difficult picture is a strike of genius. It far outshines the painting in my view.
Very nice poem.
ReplyDeleteLike the stuff written in too authentic words.
And the picture is too cool.
Actual Exams
This is so lovely. I love the image of the old men and their groceries! And I'll be thinking about the difference between a dream and a reverie for a while too.
ReplyDeleteha...really nice...lovely verse...everyone seems to be hitting on the old men and their scrolls of groceries, i will admit as well it makes for a nice touch dave...dreams, hmm....
ReplyDeleteWonderful melancholy...especially the last two stanzas...captured something perfect here. Well done. Vb
ReplyDeleteDream life is every bit as real and sustaining as " things of stone and wood"( for me anyway), great insight, Dave
ReplyDeleteI like the lovely pastoral feel here...and the last line is so wonderful...
ReplyDelete.. 'the difference is between a dream and reverie' ... my favorite line in this impressive poem!
ReplyDeleteSo well captured. Haunting, poignant and reflective this piece travels well.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it gets any better than this Dave. Really.
ReplyDeletePowerful poetic reflection on the force of dreams. I agree with versebender, the last two stanzas in partticular encapsulate the message.
ReplyDeleteDreams are sometimes all we have...a wonderful take on the image.
ReplyDeleteold men who in their youth were birds -> i like that. it's like a Native American myth/legend
ReplyDelete:)
"Starred crystals spangle earth"....what a beautiful line Dave! :-)
ReplyDeleteVery nice - the past as seen by present eyes.
ReplyDeleteJenny
ReplyDeleteThank you. Really encouraging to receive such comments.
hyperCRYPICal
Thanks for saying.
Trellissimo
Great to have your comment. Thank you for it.
Mary
Agreed. And much thanks.
aprille
Wow, what a commendation! Thank you so much!
Actual Exams
Hi and a warm welcome to my blog. Thank you for stopping by to comment. Much appreciated.
Lolamouse
On second thoughts, maybe you'd do better to focus on the old men! Thanks.
Catfish Tales
Mmmm, me too! Good to have you visiting and much thanks for commenting.
Brian
Yes, point taken. Thank you for saying.
versebender
Hi, and welcome. Good to have you aboard. My thanks for your kind comments.
Kutamun
Thank you for saying so. And a big thank you for visiting and for commenting. Always good to have another's thoughts.
Tess
Thank you for this.
Helen
This is especially good to hear as I had doubts about it after posting. Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Tumblewords
Thanks as ever. Good to hear.
Other Mary
Wow! "Thanks" doesn't seem enough!
Tommaso
Something I'd not really been aware of, but good to have had pointed out.
Susie
True,very true - and thanks for the compliment.
zongrik
Yes, I see that, though it hadn't occurred until you said.
Kat
Thanks Kat. I thought it was a horse and cart. Hadn't thought of a fiddle, but I do se what you mean.
Carrie
Thanks for saying this. Good to have your visit.
Strummed Words
A warm welcome to you and sincere thanks for the apt comment.
Aah,
ReplyDeleteMemories and dreams!
Who knows where the one ends and the other begins?
Such an incredibly beautiful and evocative poem :)