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On the Rocks.

Missing image
On the Rocks.

One summer day I made my way along
beside the lake where I’d forsake the throng
when, right before a rocky cave, outstretched upon its rough enclave,
a female form in sunshine warm, lay as it did belong.

Arms raised to shield, her face concealed, she dozed
resplendent there completely bare, reposed.   
As in a dream her skin did seem in truth to gleam like honeyed cream
and set afire my hot desire to view such form exposed.

Nobody knows with what constraint I chose
not to disclose my presence, her repose
unnecessarily to interrupt by movement too abrupt
or to disrupt her slumber comatose.

So, as she lazed, I quietly stood and gazed,
then left her as she lay and stole away.

Hugh Wyles, August 11th. 2008.
Oil on canvas “Mary Magdalene at the Cave” (1876) by Jules Joseph Lefebvre (1836-1911.)

Author notes

Jules Joseph Lefebvre (1836-1911) was a French figure painter who became professor at the Paris Ecole des Beaux-Arts numbering many famous artists among his more than 1500 pupils.
He was closely associated with William Bouguereau in allowing the works of female artistes to be exhibited in the Paris Salon and in getting women admitted to the Academie des Beaux-Arts. He was a Commander of the Legion of Honour and a member of the Institut de France.

I dedicate this sonnet with love to Aesthete2000 who appreciates the artistry, conceals her face but not her versatility or kind attentions.

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Comments

  • Wisdom 1
    April 21

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    picture

    love the art and the way it best depicts the painted words. keep penning pal.
    am Wisdom Hanson. I am a youth of Nigerian origin.
    i ve been looking for a British Friend that's a poet.
    will you be my friend?


  • angelica silver member
    August 11, 2008

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    Dear Hugh,

    You certainly see a lot of nude ladies on the beach.
    Another wonderful painting by Jules Joseph Lefebvre.
    William Bouguereau certainly taught him well, but Bouguereau was still the best painter.
    I'm pleased you used a lot of constraint to resist the temptation to leave her be.
    I am really enjoying your series of painting and poems.
    Keep on writing them as you're on a roll at the moment, plus it's giving a chance for others to see some beautiful paintings.
    Well done my dear friend.
    Love Bea


  • Aesthete2000 gold member
    August 10, 2008

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    Dear King,
    you honor me with this artistic piece.
    Mystery of the unknown, more telling,
    more compelling than all displayed.

    Thank you.

    M-C