the art of poetry
DAVID STOLLER
— This is the first in a series of painting-inspired poetry. —
This month I’m featuring two poems and the beautiful paintings that inspired them. The poems are written in the form of a tanka, a poem comprised of 31 syllables, divided into five lines of 5-7-5-7-7 syllables. This is a favorite form of mine (although I intend to present different forms in the months ahead)—and it has been the predominant form of poetry in Japan for the past 1200 years. The subject matter of a tanka was strictly limited by tradition, drawn principally from nature and love. That offers a pretty wide range of subjects—and, one might say, touches everything. My poem is strictly an interpretation of what I see, or don’t see—always looking for the hidden narrative, the personal moment, the beautiful pause, a timeless impression or feeling.
One More Summer Harvest The old red tractor, Idling in the steady drum Of faithful service, Dreams of golden seasons past, Of one more summer harvest.
Ancient Wall by Pat Martin
The Red Tractor by Harry Leith-ross
Ancient Wall There’s an ancient wall, Richly layered in lifetimes. Eyes sunken, watching As I pass along its length Deeper into my own tale. ICON |
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