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Saturday 2 February 2013

...and then there was form.

At first there was force
and only force.
Force invaded the void
and tore the void apart.
Only then
could force begin its war on formlessness,
only then could force begin to mould its forms.
Force moulded form both from within
and from the outside.

This force could not be seen
but in its works it could be known.
Whatever else Creation threw its way
it gave a shape and purpose from the gods.

Early on there was a joie de vivre
that took the lead. No one was sure
enough to say that this came from the head
or from the heart, but what was sure
was that it crafted the most gorgeous arabesques.
Form became a visual form
and those with eyes could hear it everywhere.

But also in the forms, concealed from all,
was surplus energy, a spilling of vitality
across the universe. This oomph, this zest,
this liveliness, exuberance was looking
for an outlet, a channel for its own dispersal --
which in the shape of form it found, and in a form
we came to know as dance. This was the Dance
of Life. It would become both form and force, and 
as such was the most contagious thing on earth. 

The lesser forces moulding form from the outside,
forces such as wind, were blown away by it.
It gathered up all that was loose and wayward
and sewed it back into its masterpiece.
The dancer's tresses now were part and parcel
of the dancer's form. Her energy flowed on
and was the most delightful thing on earth --
until its even more delightful child was born:
the love that knitted man into the grand design.

The image is a paper cut-out by Matisse entitled Blue Nude with Flowing Hair

15 comments:

kelvin s.m. said...

..it was like you're writing about a passionate performer of art but in a rather theoretical approach... i think in some ways i could agree to you about the connection of force to forms... it's really interesting to note how this poem of yours circled under science table but end its way to that religious-like feel... wonderful read...smiles...

Leovi said...

Excellent poem. Yes, strength and how the dance of life ...

Jinksy said...

I wonder whether scissors or a skilful scalpel created these flowing lines? Wish I'd been the force behind either!

Mary said...

Wonderful poem.. It builds and builds, like a creation story, and ends energetically with the wonderful dance of life!

hyperCRYPTICal said...

Skillfully written Dave - true art from the mind and pen.

It would be a wonderful thing if we all retained this energy, this zest for life and love conquered all.

Anna :o]

kaykuala said...

Force and forms,a lethal combination. More so with the beautiful art form which is most enticing! Wonderful flow in your verse,and a sensuous dance routine. Great take,Dave!

Hank

The Weaver of Grass said...

That form looks very much like a dancing hare to me Dave - beautiful.

Carl said...

I am amazed at what can create from prompts and the things that inspire you. Another stunner Dave!

Brian Miller said...

i think i am more force than form...smiles...def an interesting approach to the creative...i agree with kelvin on the science and religeon tones in this...really cool write dave...

Ygraine said...

This poem reminds me of the force of creation itself.
It moves and weaves it's way through the mind like a rhythmic dance of life...is neither form nor thought...but a skilful combination of both!

Absolutely brilliant work, Dave.
Very well done :)

Tommaso Gervasutti said...

What a great tone and rhythm. Such a natural and gentle solemnity.

haricot said...

I also imagine how the creation was done, invisible energy which changed into some form. And I thought that originally dancing was dedicated to Gods in Japan.

Dick said...

A fine piece of ekphrasis here, Dave. Matisse and you in concert!

Dave King said...

Kelvin
Thanks so much for a fascinating comment. I particularly enjoyed your brilliant final observation:-
interesting to note how this poem of yours circled under science table but end its way to that religious-like feel.

Leovi
Much appreciate this. Thanks.

Jinksy
Scissors. Definitely scissors. He was the original scissor man!

Mary
Thank you for this very generous comment. Very pleasing indeed.

hyperCRYPTICal
Thank you so much and, yes, I agree... if only we could plug into this zest somehow!

Hank
Thanks Hank. The image suggested the flow, of course. I never cease to be amazed at the flow he achieved with such a simple act as snipping paper shapes!

The Weaver of Grass
I think I see it! Well spotted, indeed!

Carl
Thanks Carl. Alway good to have your reaction.

Brian
I'm not sure what I am vis-à-vis form and force. I don't seem to have a lot of either these days.

Ygraine
A really munificent response, which is very much valued. Thank you for it.

Tommaso
Thank you. I really appreciate this.

Dick
Thanks. You couldn't have said anything more pleasing.


Cait O'Connor said...

More than wonderful. I feel reading this how I feel when looking at the Matisse. You put it in words, harder I feel.
I would love to know what inspired you to write it.