There is no grace in ugliness enforced
but as we share a fare designed
to merely fill the belly
we look upon each other with
simplicity, a courtesy that
only comes from thinnest tea, potatoes
and our poetry:
the power of a simple word,
a lamp of dreams
to fool the shades of poverty.
This is life that history ignores,
that legends of great leaders and their
stunning deeds
consign to background phrases:
“he came from a poor family...”
We are not poor:
we are rich in lust to live
despite our sorry bodies and
the darkness of our clothes,
despite our anonymity.
We are cast in sepia, now:
poets and their lovers
forever hungry on the page
but, with each tasteless mouthful,
we endure.
Author notes
Inspired by "The Potato Eaters" - Vincent van Gogh
http://www.vangoghgallery.com/catalog/Painting/453/Potato-Eaters,-The.html
In a list
A contest entry
- Vincent Van Gogh's Art by Sprite.
1900 points, ended June 19, 2008, 11 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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The sense of dignity you have brought here is impressive. This certainly is a marvelous depiction of the painting, and an outstanding poem on its own. Congratulations on the Gold.
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Superb
So very very pleased to see gold adorn this beauty. Well done. High regards and Congratulations are in order. Bravo poet! ~Pamela
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Hello.
Your words are strong, and that is a powerful painting. Your descriptions are touchingly poignant, and you are very right, in my humble opinion anyway, they are indeed rich.
There is humility, but no shame, there is honour and pride in them, but no arrogance, which comes from an acceptance of this is what we are, this is what we do. I can imagine me turning up, and without a second glance, hesitation or an awkward silence that says it all, they would gladly share what little they have with me. The eyes that have seen so much, are held high for these people know where the true value comes from, and every one of them would look me dead in my eyes.
The true light coming from this painting is not from the lamp, but from the characters painted, for true light is from one’s soul, the soul that shares a plate with you, offers tea and breaks bread.
I wish you the best of luck in this contest.
My regards.
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Reread today.
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As poets the art is in our written words we put to pen and paper. A painting is the artist canvas...full of hope and promise. Like all things in life, we bare many feelings, those painted in the picture depicted starvation and lack of money. For the artist can see beyond those, and make the ones that are rich, think twice about how they have been spared. Often the pen is mighter than the sword, and a picture or painting can say a thousand words...without an utterance at all.
I think you penned this picture so well! How I love to read your poems. ~Sie
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I really love the tone of this poem because it is perfect for the picture prompt. Your poem conveys the innate and inner hunger of the poor, while also conveying a sympathy and understanding on your part. I have always thought The Potato Eaters to be very moving and you have not disappointed me with this poem. Thanks for entering!
~ Joyce
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Neat. I had never seen that painting before; I understood the context from reading history. Your poem illustrates the lives of the vast population that history never discusses except in general terms beautifully.
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Aerden
... and that is why I think that a painting such as this is so important. It lets our hearts and minds fly - but reminds us where our feet are firmly planted.
Best, p
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