Monet's Harbor Sunrise

A small skiff drifted in the harbor
guided by the lazy oars of a fisherman
standing in the hull as if to better view
the shimmering reflection
of the orange circle hovering overhead
dancing with the waves and the mist.

Monet had to name it something
so he called it what it was:
          "Impression, soleil levant."

A critic, wanting a poison vial for his pen,
stole Monet's title to squeeze
a verbal dose into the radical veins
of the artist and his fellows of the gallery
          (Renoir, Pissarro, Cezanne).
With scathing indignation
he dubbed the lot of them,
           "Mere Impressionists."

The label endures (minus one word)
but how many know or care to know
the righteous critic's name?

Dorothy A. Holmes apwlts2
Beautiful versing telling a wonderful story...The painting took my breath away. I would be curious to know the critics name...lol Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing

robyn selters
so true... a thoughtful, powerful poem.. and a lovely picture to match

Fay Slimm
Excellent point poetically made Robert. - - - yes - who these days cares !!

Lynda Robson
Excellent write Robert

sensebreeze
Beautiful!