ARTSPEAK: Happy! poem "Girl in a Yellow Dress"

Happy  National Poetry Month! I'm excited to be continuing my ARTSPEAK series -- this year with poems on the theme of "Happy." Read why in my introductory post.

Today's piece is "A Girl in a Yellow Dress, 1917" by Amedeo Modigliani.

I am no stranger to girls in yellow dresses... one in particular has made me happy for years: Etta Mae Pettway, a supporting character in LEAVING GEE'S BEND. There's a chapter in the book called "Girl in the Yellow Dress," and on my 2019-to-do list is to research Mobile, Alabama 1930-32 history to write a companion novel from Etta Mae's point of view. So there's that!

Interestingly, I don't think I've ever worn a yellow dress, because I've never thought yellow to complement my skin tone. Hmmm...

Anyhow, this poem came to me quickly and easily... because whether I wear the yellow dress or not, I AM this girl. Enjoy!

Girl in a Yellow Dress

after A Girl in a Yellow Dress by Amedeo Modigliani.

Sometimes I sit and stare

and you think I'm not going anywhere.

But in that moment,

that tiny, precise moment

my heart is dreaming,

mind-movies are streaming –

sailboats and pelicans are nesting

in my hair!

Truth is, I'm always smiling – somewhere.

- Irene Latham

Please be sure to stop by Radio, Rhythm and Rhyme to read Matt's opening line in this year's Progressive Poem! Yay!