You are currently viewing An Alouette for Tuesday’s #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 265 #EKPHRASTIC #TankaTuesday
Russian Dancers (Public Domain) Artist: Edgar Degas (French, Paris 1834–1917 Paris) http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/459097

An Alouette for Tuesday’s #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 265 #EKPHRASTIC #TankaTuesday

Life gives back in kind
colors of the wind
to carry through, none destroy
sing to life, and dance
with joy, grin to chance
squeeze out the core, out drips joy

sure, you can evolve
hold to a resolve
the atmosphere sustains it
at each latitude
gain more fortitude
can't take that away, admit

wrinkles on a life
though there may be strife
by no means cancels pure souls
applaud aliveness
give it nobleness 
excuses are wimpish goals
***

© 2022 selmamartin.com 

From the Poetscollective.orgThe Alouette, created by Jan Turner, consists of two or more stanzas of 6 lines each (12 lines or more) with the following set rules:

Syllabic: 5/5/7/5/5/7
Rhyme Scheme:  aabccb 

The form name is a French word meaning ‘skylark’ or larks that fly high,
the association to the lark’s song being appropriate for the musical quality
of this form. The word ‘Alouette’ can also mean a children’s song
(usually sung in a group). Although this poetry form is not necessarily
for children’s poetry (but can be applied that way), it is reminiscent of
that style of short lines. Preference for the meter accent is on the
third syllable of each line.

My Alouette today was crafted for Tanka Tuesday where the syllabic challenge explores Ekphrastic writing, inspired by visual art.

Photo Title: Russian Dancers (Public Domain)
Artist: Edgar Degas (French, Paris 1834–1917 Paris)
Date: 1899 via https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/459097

Thanks for reading.

Note: Edgar Degas’ painting, 1899, of Russian Dancers. The criteria we used to choose this painting relies heavily on current events: Putin’s war in Ukraine– he is at war, not the Russian people. They are not to blame for what’s happening.

End the war, now. I declare peace and wish miracles to everyone on planet earth.

Selma Martin
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This Post Has 30 Comments

  1. Beautiful sentiments, Selma. I applauded the Russian/Ukrainian woman TV producer who stood up for truth, by showing a sign behind the Russian news caster; protesting no war. She is now missing. I heard her mother is Russian, father Ukrainian. I hope this war ends soon. <3

  2. Selma Martin

    Yes, I heard it second handed from hubby. Some days I cannot stomach the news. Some days I just cannot handle what happening.
    Poor woman. She’s missing? Why do people need to be treated this way? I pray for her. I pray for them all. Stop the war!

  3. yvettemcalleiro

    I love how each stanza seems to portray a different time in a person’s life as they age. Great poem, Selma! 🙂

    1. Selma Martin

      That wasn’t calculated into the writing. But now that you mention it, I’m pleased to see it interpreted that way. Goes to show how we all bring a little of ourselves when we read. Thanks so much for pointing me to what you see. I love your keen perception. Blessings. XoXo

  4. Raymond Junior

    My prayers to People of Ukraine in general as well thanks

    1. Selma Martin

      The whole world is watching. I hope that comes to an end soon, like now. Thanks for reading and commenting. xoxo

  5. Jaya Avendel

    What a timely poem! I love the feels in each stanza and how the different points of emotion and view come together to create a lovely narrative. <3

    1. Selma Martin

      Hey, Jaya, Thanks for the visit, dear friend. And I’m so pleased you liked the narrative. I’m always so happy with your visits. I too, lovelovelove what you do. Thanks for always giving me such great points. Always great reminders. You are the best. TYSVM. xoxo

  6. Jane Aguiar

    I love the feeling you create here. That feeling is real so the poem looks more elegant, dear Selma ! 💕

    1. Selma Martin

      Elegant, you say, dear Jane? Aww. You are sweet. Thanks for reading and stopping to leave a comment. You are the best, dear lady. I hope you participate as well. Blessings. Stay sweet.

      1. Jane Aguiar

        Welcome dear Selma. Yes, I participated too .. Blessings to you.❤️

      1. utahan15

        a stream of words to herd the community together.

  7. D.L. Finn, Author

    Beautiful, Selma;) I love the flow of it.

    1. Selma Martin

      Hi, Cindy. Thanks dearie. Hope the beginning of Spring finds you in the best of health. I bless you.

  8. judeitakali

    I found this alouette quite poignant and beautiful, Selma, in regards to the image especially.

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks, Jude. So glad you appreciated it– and the visit too. Are you still drinking the champaign? A worthy celebration. xoxo

      1. judeitakali

        Haha, it’s out. others drunk it for me. I’m back to work on the 2nd in the trilogy.

  9. memadtwo

    Dance is one of the purest forms of human expression. May we all learn to do the earth’s dance of joy. (K)

  10. Jules

    To consider how it all could be – everyone dancing for joy. Prayer to all who cannot be free. And to remember to aide the blameless.

  11. D. Wallace Peach

    I enjoyed the image, Selma, as well as the variety of poems it evoked. Your contribution is beautiful and I love the hope. 🙂

    1. Selma Martin

      Hey, D. So pleased with your thoughts and lovely words. I appreciate the visit immensely. Be well. xoxoxo

  12. ben Alexander

    wrinkles on a life
    though there may be strife
    by no means cancels pure souls

    So beautiful, Selma.

    -David

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