Thursday, November 20, 2008

"Adrift" by A. Wyeth

We’ve sewn you sails
with our hair,
unfurled, neatly
folded there;
with our blood
we pressed you wine,
that’s worthless now
as casks of brine.

From the clay hearth
of our heart
our bread, for you,
has come apart,
disintegrating
in the sea
like days melt into
history.

So busy with
the lines and arbor
we missed you slip
our quiet harbor;
in a humble
hand-hewn dory,
a modest man
to meet his glory.

Across the cold and
callous deep
beloved, sail;
we only weep
in finding that
we are bereft
but in the wake
your voyage left

our love lights all the
stars that find you,
prayers push steady
winds behind you,
as tempests break
and bow in shame
before the whisper
of your name.


[you can see the painting here.]

5 comments:

Moanerplicity said...

The painting evokes such a sad feeling of a human being's final fatique, which is death.

While reading this I kept thinking of the poet Hart Crane. I don't know why. It could be the theme of the sea.... or the beautifully melancholy feel the verse which sets a mood.

Thanks for posting this. As usual, the sadness speaks to me.

One.

K.Lawson Gilbert said...

What an absolutely magnificent poem. You must have breathed a heavy sigh when you finished that one - and been so proud of it. I know I would have been if I had written it.

In all sincerity - this is one of the best poems I have read on any blog. The rhyme and metre are wonderfully executed.

I am so impressed with the fantastic images you have conjured up to go along with Wyeth's painting. I don't think I will ever see "Adrift" without wanting to read your perfect words to accompany it. Congratulations on a literary work of art. -K

Silly Girl said...

ur poem is as always priceless!
and i love the painting...
it is the painting that inspired u to write it? I wouldn't be surprised. ;)

Moanerplicity said...

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Congrats, my talented friend!

Snatch JOY!

One.

Lin

Leslie P said...

Lovely