It’s day 7 of the my person challenge to blog each day for a week on Bookstains. As I haven’t put a poetry challenge on for a long time I thought that today was a good as time as any. The Arnolfini Portrait is a very famous painting, painted on oak panel by Dutch artist Jan Van Eyck in 1434. The painting is also known as The Arnolfini Wedding,The Arnolfini Double Portrait, The Arnoldfini Marriage and The Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his wife.
Giovanni Arnolfini is presumed to be an Italian merchant posing with his wife at his house in Bruges. The painting is considered to be one of the most original and complex paintings and a lot of illusionist painting techniques were used in it.
1. Write your poem and link it to Bookstains (and a mention). You include the button if you want. All poems are themed so make sure that your poem is appropriate and make it CLEAR that your poem is for The Bookstains individual challenge if you are also entering it in a challenge elsewhere.
2. In return for linking with me I will put your poem on Bookstains, mentioning your site and Tweeting your poem. I will also promote your poem at the end of any post I write on my art based blog echostains.
The poems can be in any form including Haiku. They can be as serious or as humorous as you like. One liners won’t count
You have heard the expression ‘getting ahead of yourself?’ Well I am getting all behind with myself – especially as far as my Bookstains blog is concerned. I’ve been so busy with other stuff. I have book reviews to post, films to mention and there’s a couple of new poetry challenges to be posted. All these posts have been started – and lie in various states of incompletion. I shall have to get myself more organised as the future looks to be even busier.
One year I spent every day blogging for the entire year. I still don’t know how I did it really. That was on echostains, I have never tried that on Bookstains. However, I intend to post a post on here each day for one week as a personal challenge to myself (and because I feel guilty for leaving it for a couple of weeks.
I can’t promise an in-depth post every day, but I may even get round to finishing some posts that really need to be posted – that will be an achievement in itself for me. So what you may expect? (though it’s probably more likely not to expect) book reviews;- Notebooks of a Naked Youth by Billy Childish, Grayson Perry – Portrait of the artist as a young girl by Wendy Jones, among others.
32 Brinkburn Street
Also 32 Brinkburn Street (a period drama shown on TV) Dexter (also televised) and at least one poetry challenge. Now lets see if I can deliver for one week
This poetry challenge is based upon the very famous painting by Gustave Klimt – ‘The Kiss. This iconic painting with its rich layers of gold and stylish sensuous lines emits opulence.
“The woman is especially depicted by turn as emotional joy bringer, temptress and child bearer. The bodies fused together as one emphasis their unity. Klimt loves hands and uses them expressively in his paintings. Also his use of gold, entwined couples and …..”(read the rest of my post on echostains about this painting)
The challenge is to write a poem or Haiku about this painting using he/she/. It can be as short or as long as you like BUT it must be written for this particular challenge and linked to this challenge only. You may use the image as a link if you like, but the challenge must be linked to Bookstains.
That’s all there is to it. I will add your poem to this challenge page, plug your blog and give it a tweet. I will also update my echostains blog when a new poem arrives. Good luck with this one – it should be very interesting indeed!
The first poem is a Haiku and comes from the darkly Gothic Wendy Woo who has a wonderfully mysterious blog – please look! http://wendydark.wordpress.com/
This poetry challenge is based upon a poem (well a bit of tomfoolery) I wrote ages ago and forgot about. But the idea for the challenge was inspired by Jesssica’s Japeswonderful poem ‘My Least Favorite things’. The challenge is simple – just write a poem to the tune/rhythm of the song from ‘The Sound of Music inspired by your favorite or least favorite things. To start you off, here’s the first bit of the Julie Andrews version. In case you don’t know how it goes – here it is on video.
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things!
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things!
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eye lashes
Silver white winters that melt into spring
These are a few of my favorite things!
When the dog bites, when the bee stings
When I’m feeling sad,
I simply remember
my favorite things
and then I don’t feel so bad!
Priests in white dresses With black satin lashes Rogan Josh curry In splishes and splashes Old folks that croak When they;re trying to sing These are a few of my favorite things
Figs and leaves soap and Lush bath ballistic People who bounce and remain optimistic Sober striped wasps that fly past and don’t sting These are a few of my favorite things When the shoes pinch and the roots show When I’m seeing red I always remember my favorite things And then toddle off to bed
Write your poem and link it to Bookstains (and a mention). You can include the button if you want. All poems are themed so make sure that your poem is appropriate for the Bookstains Poetry challenge if you are also entering it in a challenge elsewhere.
For example; ideally Van Gogh would relate to that artist and his life or his paintings in some way and Favorite things would be set to the tune ;Favorite things.
In return for linking with me I will put your poem on Bookstains, mentioning your site and Tweeting your poem. I will also promote your poem at the end of any post I write on my art based blog echostains.
All poems will be copyrighted to you of course.
The poems can be in any form including Haiku. They can be as serious or as humorous as you like. One liners shall not be accepted
Here is the post which inspired the challenge – it’s from the delightful Jessica’s Japes – a blog filled with witty poetry and prose. Always a delight to visit!
Raindrops on dry hair and whiskers on granny
Dull boring lectures and warm lager bubbly
Soppy and gossipy girlfriend who clings
These are a few of my least favourite things
Cream colored knickers and burnt peach turnovers
Cheesy ringtones and cold pizza leftovers
Old bra strap which at the worst moment pings
These are a few of my least favourite things
Slim girls in cute dresses with model like wiggles
Red spots that sprout on my nose and brown freckles
Dark hairy hunks who bore me in evenings
These are a few of my least favourite things
When the cat purrs
When the bird sings
When I’m in a fine mood
I simply remember my least favourite things
And then I don’t feel so good!
Our next contribution comes from Adam Dustus of The Dustus Blog, Novelist, Poet and Graphic artist – a great site for poetry, prose and poetry challenges - and it’s all to be found HERE! Here’s his very original take on the challenge:-
My Favorite Things Sounds Like Life
Imagine an author rejected by agents Piles of manuscripts rot in the basement Trying to capture what’s lost through no means Sounds like life music through lines that he dreams
Expressing emotions through vectors and color Writing too much ’cause he can’t find a lover Many see Jesus as resurrecting Sounds like life music through lines that he dreams
Breakdowns through trauma; forever seems fleeting Bombardment of images won’t equal feeling Being original is poetry Sounds like life music through lines that he dreams
And when the avalanche comes down As our carnival leaves town We still search for a reason through time… Exhaling sad sorrow Don’t cry for tomorrow Sing onto death Sounds like life
What I love about these challenges are poets different interpretations. We are all so unique and this really shows when it comes to poetry (which makes it all the more interesting I think) Our next poem comes from Kavita whose wonderfully creative blog ‘How I write, is mine – How you read, is yours’ is well worth visiting!
Tough Weakners
White butter clouds hanging oh so playfully From silver chords wound ’round sky’s own old pulley Azure heavens crisp and pure as can be Kissed and nudged by weightless zephyrs on sea
Caramel swirls of a sweet salted delight Set off alarms, sizzle and make me feel light Milk chocolate layers that melt on my tongue From moody dungeons back now I have sprung
Voice so rich like deep bass amidst clamor Eyes that pierce right through my heart’s hard armor Dense shadows of lashes dark, curled and long And trembling transparent like some frail song
If I can do I sure will do All that’s in my power… To blow a few bubbles and indulge myself In this warm sinful shower…
Here’s a gorgeous soothing poem by Stephanie who has started a lovely poetry blog ‘The Attic’ which promises to be a great hit – so please check it out
I’m Leaving for Dreams
Curled on the blanket with tucked teddy Turtle sung wailsome worry and back breaking hurdle time is undone under silver moonbeams this is the moment I’m leaving for dreams.
Eyes bright with fervor and passionate longing heart beating harder and whispers imploring when slipping under the warm bubbling stream this is the moment I’m leaving for dreams.
When I go dreaming, relief’s that I’m leaving walking on clouds to the soft steady breathing granting, the silence invites me to scream still it’s the moment I’m leaving for dreams.
When the head aches, when the heart breaks when the day is done I simply remember I’m leaving for dreams and then I don’t feel so sad.
The challenge is to watch the very short video that features all Van Gogh’s self-portrait and imagine what the artist might be trying to convey through these portraits – in other words if he could speak – what do you think he would he want to say to us? Alternatively you could just write a poem about Van Gogh the man or his work. The poem can be as profound as you want, or as daft as you like:) it can be long, short or even a haiku.
Please note;-
The idea behind the challenges is to publicise Bookstains (as well as having creative fun) so therefore it is imperative that the poet link to Bookstains to further the challenge.
In return the poem is copied to the challenges particular page and the poets own website mentioned with a link and the poem critiqued on not only Bookstains but also on the poets own blog or website.
If you wouldn’t put the poem on your own blog, please don’t send it to mine and expect me to promote it. This is a genuine challenge – please play fair:-)
Please post your poems either under comments – or if you prefer sent me an email and I’ll put them on.
Here’s the first of the poems! this one is by Kserverny aka Artswebshow. please check out his blog it’s fantastic!
.
Oh why did the ladies never love me.
.
As i sit here in my velvet chair.
Chains of smoke swirl around me.
My dinner left lingering by the door.
Painting for the purpose of inner peace.
My thoughts, they say.
Oh why did the ladies never love me?
Life looks back in fall.
.
Relying for my income on dear little brother.
Oh the shame, it makes me insane.
I burn and cut for you people.
Yet none will look my way.
Stewing in my little bed.
Oh why did the ladies never love me?
Life looks back in fall.
.
The tormented candle flickers softly now.
Obsessive working grips me tight.
No interest gained off local peers.
I fear my end is in sight.
I softly said.
Oh why did the ladies never love me?
Life looks down in winter.
.
People tread upon the floor.
Above the sunflowers fill them with awe.
Such a valuable epiphany,
Of a time travelled long before.
The painting remains silent.
Ladies flock around him.
Standing proudly on the wall.
POEM NO: 2 is bybended spoonwho has a very upbeat and positive website – guaranteed to raise a smile (this is the second time he’s made my day! Please check him out:)
Poem No:3 is by Linda Kruschkewho has a lovely homely and welcoming blog! please check it out:)
Vincent Could Have Told You
Faces change
My face changes
With the seasons
With my mood
I paint a changing me
But I remain
Beneath the face
What I call God
That which is love
It does not change
Poem No:4 is by Debbie Fellerwhose blog has ‘simple poems and simple faith’ please check it out!
I paint from the mirror
turning away to hide
my bad side
the eyes remain
unchanged.
Poem No:5 is by opoetoo who has a great blog full of poetry and musings – please give it a visit and you won’t be disappointed!
Ground /between stones
I feel the world turn
In your face
Of clay on canvas
…………………………Rotating
………Pushing
up through the hard ground
Corn for crows to pluck and pillage
……………………… Corn enough
to feed the wonder of this planet
Poem No: 6 is by Adam Dustus who is a novelist, poet and graphic artist. He has a very well established blog and there’s lots to interest poets, writers and artists alike! Well worth a visit!
Light stricken, anxious eyes
Painting beautiful expressions sublime
Puddling tears that Starry Night
Too late, my work now recognized
Could not foresee what happened to me
Now millions on sales tags
Downloads to computer screens
Broadcasts of honors in stellar HD
Even documentaries all about me
Scandals, art thieves,
Dedicated museum wings
Sunflower posters
Mass produced grief…
Yet curation now kind
Since I razed my prime
They think priceless being
A tortured mind
Only my faces and work survive
Absinthesizing swirls refined
Depression claimed another life
Still art without end
Beyond my time
Poem No: 7 is from Steve whose blog‘Heednotsteve’ has a bit about everything (but mostly fiction and poetry). its a good one so please give it a visit!
I know you
or at least
I know
your face
pale forehead
and faint brow,
high cheeks
your somber face
the contours
and creases
of it
backwards to me, convenient
set mouth
and the eyes,
I know the eyes
unflinching – I’ve never seen them closed
I know
your face
your sad
serious
face
hopeful and doubtful
as if
I might tell you
something
about you
as if you might
by patient
scrutiny
know me
PoemNo:8 is by Fireblossom. Her blog Shay’s word garden is full of original poetry. Check it out!
Vince, hi.
Um…
What? Oh, I’m fine. You’re sweet to ask.
So…
What up?
“Dawg”. Ha ha.
Are you, like, still doing drawings and stuff?
Yeah? You’re pretty good. Seriously, dude.
You should, like, maybe take a class or something.
Have you ever signed up for an art class? No?
I think the community college offers them.
I took, I don’t know, some computer thing there once…it was okay, I guess.
I met Rick there.
Yeah, Rick, this guy I’m seeing, or like, we’re hanging out and that.
Look, Vince, I need to tell you,
You’re a nice guy and all. Some girl is out there for you.
No kidding, a lot of girls really like beards. For real!
My friend, she’s totally all about dudes who look like these mountain men or something.
Hey, I didn’t mean…
It looks good. No lie.
But, Vince,
I’m not really into art or that, and Rick, he’s kind of into the whole surfer, keg party thing.
Well, what I mean is,
Um…
Here’s your ear.
I wrapped it in, I don’t know, this napkin from Chicken Shack.
I didn’t, like, use it at all, it’s clean.
Maybe they can re-attach it?
But dude, seriously,
Don’t, like, send me the other one or anything, you know?
It’s gross, I have to be honest with you.
Really thoughtful,
But,
Gross. As hell.
What were you thinking?
Oh, c’mon,
Don’t go all crumpled looking,
My dog does that and I can’t deal.
He’s at my mom’s now…
Well, I know, like you care, right? I just ramble, whatever.
Sorry.
So, check out those art classes.
Maybe you could even sell one of your paintings?
Use the money to buy a new jacket or something.
Good luck, Vince.
I gotta run, Rick hates it if I keep him waiting.
Peace, out.
And no more ears!
Later, dude!
(walk
walk
walk
keys
car door slamming
engine starting
lipstick adjustment in rearview mirror)
*sigh*
What a fucking nut case!
Poem No: 9 is our first Haiku and its contributed by the wonderful Eva from the equally wonderfully artistic and poetical blog 47whitebuffalo. There’s lots of goodies there – please call in:)
eyes catching light play
all ways fleeting here to there
oranges splashing blues
Our 10th poem is by Dawn Runs Amok (D.C. McKenzie) who has a lovely poetry and music blog here. The poem is called Fou Roux. The author is an avid fan of Vincent Van Gogh and this was written especially for the 120th memorial of the artists’ death.
Fou Roux ~the redheaded madman
~by D.C. McKenzie
i.
Thirty good and wholesome
townspeople of Arles, neighbors all,
have had your yellow house closed by the cops
And you, Vincent, saw your worst fear come to pass
as, at last, you were hauled off to the Asylum.
There it took three days of solitary
confinement to regain your Self.
Gauguin is gone. It is true, Paul has left:
but not before it was too late
to stop the juggernaut of sorrow and arrest. (and by the way, Paul Gauguin
you windbag, you…cross-eyed thief,
it had been raining for days on end—
how did you hear his footstep
so soft behind you in the downpour?
In the darkness, without lamp or light—
how did you see the blade with which
you claim Vincent menaced you so?)
ii.
You are scared now, Vincent…aren’t you?
All about you are the insane and their keepers.
Have you come to believe the vicious gossip?
Has it truly come to that at the last? Madness?
Or is it a worse ailment? Failure.
Not as an artist before the public,
that fickle beast, you know too well
it was never really about acceptance
rather, a failure to render your vision into reality.
That, I fear, is what broke you—so finally, so completely.
Now, you are surrounded by chaos and heartbreak.
Bedlam brimming in broken minds: without order, without colour,
as if you have been cast upon a fey, monochrome wind.
Alas too, the sky above you has become foreboding,
pressing upon you as much so as the pressure of poverty
skulking in the shade. For to be a burden upon Theo
and his family is a thing you loathe most of all.
There is so much that I will never understand.
Yet, this I truly know, Vincent:
Hunger is nothing next to Emptiness (don’t believe? try it.)
—a hideous non-thing that steals away our very senses.
Of emptiness there can be no solace.
It is a thing every suicide instinctively knows.
In the end, it is not loneliness, but emptiness
which we seek to escape; and by which we are undone.
iii.
The sky, hitherto your collaborator,
your vista upon a far too vivid Now, is shuttered.
It has become a coffer of looming cobalt clouds.
In this Now, even absinthe and spirits cannot ease the pain
or bring surcease to the seizure and the sorrow.
Smiling a scarecrow smile to even behold it—
the sunlight which was once your gilded muse,
once your benevolent ally in a hostile world,
huddles forlorn in your cell
caught in a corner of the ceiling
where your brush cannot reach.
A sun that is present only amidst fields
populated by an unkindness of crows.
Furrowed ground lies beneath hulking slate-blue skies
and wheat sheaves, bound into pyre-like haystacks,
which you have roughly carved in cadmium and ochre
on a canvas barely able to withstand your demands.
Although they make much of the crows,
it is the blackviolet vault of the sky
which brings a stab of empathy
for the agony and despair of your last days.
Thunderclouds roiling greyblue
broken by oblique rays of a mantled, yet majestic, sun.
Oh, they make much of the crows, but…no, Vincent,
it is the turmoil of the skies that signaled your peril.
Wheat Field with Crows~Auvers 1890
Our 11th poem is a Haiku from Abigail Parker who does a Haiku a day all the year around! her blog is here
In the night cafe
Reeling orange and absinthe green
Half-drunk, I step back.
Heres a Haiku from Tigerbritewhose interesting blog has a poetry section as well as posts about The Tree of Life and the planet Cyberluz! Please take a look!
