Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit Ruth at There is no such thing as a godforsaken town for Roundup.
It's an especially happy Poetry Friday because I'm at NCTE! Yay! More on that later. For now, I offer you a new ArtSpeak: FOLK ART poem. This one is inspired by a piece by 20th Century Florida folk artist Earl Cunningham, whose work can be seen at the Smithsonian. It took me a while to find my poem. Thanks so much for reading.
Sunset Point
When you returned
I was like a harbor welcoming a fleet of ships
each one flying crisp blue sails against marmalade sky and melting-butter sun
A whole ocean of boats and sails and fisherfolk hauling in their nets and a thousand birds crying you're home
When you returned
I was like a harbor welcoming a fleet of ships
each one flying crisp blue sails against marmalade sky and melting-butter sun
A whole ocean of boats and sails and fisherfolk hauling in their nets and a thousand birds crying you're home
- Irene Latham
Oh that marmalade sky! Looking forward to seeing you today at some point!
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely...I'm partial to melting-butter sun. I have a thing for the sun.
ReplyDeleteIrene, such a welcome home. Your poem, inspired by Earl Cunningham's painting is an ekhprastic poem with real presence. A fine balance of words descriptive and inviting. Enjoy NCTE.
ReplyDeleteA melting-butter sun...swoon! Have fun at NCTE.
ReplyDeleteI love the simile and the whole-hearted celebration of each gorgeous detail and the final culmination of "you're home!" Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteMarmalade sky and melting-butter sun - wow! Wishing you the best at NCTE. It's always such a fun place to see old and new friends.
ReplyDeleteThe current of emotion is this one is far deeper than your average harbor. The longing laps at the shore.
ReplyDeleteIt may have taken you awhile to find your poem, but it was worth the wait, Irene. Love!
ReplyDeleteYour patience is inspiring, Irene. To hear birds crying and sails filled in celebration for a loved one's return -- what a wonderful reach.
ReplyDelete