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#TankaTuesday #Ekphrastic #Poetry Challenge No. 335: Tender Joy

Written for Colleen’s Ekphrastic poetry challenge for Tanka Tuesday #335.

Colleen says: This #TankaTuesday challenge explores Ekphrastic poetry, inspired
by works of art.

“This delightful painting by Berthe Morisot captures a tranquil scene with standing
amidst the picturesque surroundings of the Isle of Wight.”

“Berthe Morisot skillfully portrays the play of light and vibrant colors in this artwork,
adding depth and life to the scene. The serene atmosphere and the natural beauty of
the location make this painting a captivating piece of art. It captures a moment in time,
allowing viewers to appreciate the connection between art and nature.”
ChasingArt.com, Rebecca Budd

🍃 This week, using the painting as your inspiration, please write either a syllabic
poetry form or a freestyle poem, including a syllabic form (both on the same post).

This painting by Berthe Morisot was featured on Rebecca’s post:


The first words that appeared on my blank page turned out to be freestyle:

Faint are the birds in the summer heat
quiet, respiring in lush, cooling trees
far from all-knowing men who wait
to hear soft floatings in the wind.

Gentle commingling under my straw hat
outside my open window—I faint
from seeing such chaste loveliness:
None cuter than my Bea's features

Like frail dewdrops that linger for a while,
their voices float on soft-heard hymning.
I stand on edge, waiting for her entrance
and stay till night when cricket song is warm.

© selma ❤️❤️❤️ 

And now, from that is born this Gogyohka (of four 10-syllabled lines)

Gogyohka

Gogyohka usually contains five lines but could have four or six lines.
It’s up to the poet. Each line should comprise one phrase with a line-break
after each phrase or breath. Gogyohka has no restraints on the number of
words or syllables used. However, this form should be written as other
Japanese short verse poetry. The theme for gogyohka is unrestricted. No
title and no rhyming.

Birds cooling off in shade of lush green trees
send soft floating messages on the wind
to touch men's brains where senses commingle
and make fools of them if only briefly

(yeah, like why is he wearing a straw hat inside his house 🙄)

© selma ❤️❤️❤️ 

There’s so much beauty in this art piece, but I happened to center on the gentleman,
who, to me, is the main character in this story.
I hope you enjoyed how I interpreted the photo provided by Rebecca Budd.
Thanks, Rebecca, and thanks to all for reading.

Selma Martin
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This Post Has 33 Comments

  1. rajkkhoja

    Wonderful picture art. Recommend by written poetry. Amazing words use in. I like. .

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks, Raj. I’m encouraged by your positive comments. Blessings.

  2. Sadje

    Good! Both the poems depict the scene so well, with a touch of humor

    1. Selma Martin

      I’m so pleased you liked them, Sadje. Thanks. Xoxo 😃

    1. Selma Martin

      Best words so heard today. Thanks so much, Annette. 😘

  3. beth

    such a gentle love

  4. poetisatinta

    I adore them both Selma, love the reference to the hat, in my mind I assumed he was just about to go for a stroll, waiting for his wife to finish painting him 😊

    1. Selma Martin

      I like your thoughts on the art piece.
      Thanks for reading and congrats to you for the mention this week. Stellar. XoXo

    1. Selma Martin

      I’m trilled you think so, dear Deeksha. Thank you.

      You are always welcome here. I bless you. (You’re a voracious reader 👏🏽) XoXo

  5. memadtwo

    You’re very observant Selma. The wind is full of messages. (K)

  6. Khaya Ronkainen

    Love your depictions in both poems, especially the free verse. And LOL about him wearing a straw inside the house! 😀

    1. Selma Martin

      Hehe 👒 inside the house. Thanks so much, dear Khaya. Blessings.

    1. Selma Martin

      The painting is spectacular. 👏🏽
      Thanks for reading 💗

  7. msjadeli

    Lovely descriptive imaginings here, Selma <3

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks Yve. Bless your lovely soul. Be well dear one. Xoxo

    1. Selma Martin

      I added humor. 😉 thanks for reading dear friend

  8. Colleen M. Chesebro

    LOL! He is wearing a straw hat in his house. So funny, but you nailed it, Selma. 🌻

    1. Selma Martin

      Yay, I noticed that first. He was getting ready to go out maybe. And happened to return to close the window and then the artist 👩‍🎨 froze him there. 😂 maybe.
      Thanks. It was a lovely exercise.

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