As she stokes the flames to fight the chill
that will descend the stairs
when the sun of heaven
slips below the North Sea,
he watches, turns from the Talmud
and wonders at the dim light,
the manic shadows
and the preposterous illusions
his life will leave behind
when he walks upon the ceiling
from this womb to another
and shuts the rounded door behind him
as he shut the last.
Beyond, Amsterdam -- the New Jerusalem,
is burning in the benediction
of the dying light.
Beyond the rising shadows of the night,
the scrolls are set to flame
in the furnace of the Holy Name.
Author notes
Rembrandt often painted Amsterdam's Jewish community. Holland was once the great north star of European commerce and culture.
A contest entry
- Fall's Image Prompt by Cynthia Gaines.
2400 points, ended November 8, 20 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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Beautifully Inspirational!!
I really like this poem!! Thank you for sharing your brilliant muse with all of us, and best wishes in the contest!! 
& 
s,
Cyn
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This is mystical and wonderful. I like particularly 'the manic shadows
and the preposterous illusions' and the strength of the final two lines.
A great response to a great prompt picture - best of luck in the contest.
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wow, this is great. I haven't looked yet to see which painting inspired yours but I am anxious to after this initial reading. Thank you.
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An imaginative and atmospheric interpretation of Rembrandt's painting - the images are mysterious and entirely apt. Excellent work indeed.
Obair maith,
Bill
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Your title ...
drew me in as Holland was where my heritage began (at least half of it anyway)!
I found your poem an interesting illustratration of Rembrandts's painting and a philosophical study of life and the passing through. Very nicely shared.
j
y
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