Monet's Water Lilies
A stout old man swept his brush
from pallette to canvas -
transplanting his pond at Giverny
into his studio and onto
a 14 meter triptych -
losing an occasional cigarette ash
in the cushion of his silvery beard.
Half a world and a century away
through eyes three quarters shut,
I savor the lilies' white buds
dancing like stars on the canvas
in the St. Louis Palace of Art.
Opening my eyes I survey the expanse
of Monet's immortal lily pond
suspended in a tranquil swirl
of golden, green and azure mystery.
N.B: The image above is one of three panels from Monet's "Agapanthus" triptych" otherwise known as the "Water Lilies" triptych. Here is a link that will give a good idea of the colossal scale of the three panels that constitute the entire work. This work was painted a half century after Monet's groundbreaking "Impression, soleil levant" (Impression, Sunrise).
http://www.socialhistoryofart.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=128113259
This is a finely constructed write. Wonderfully expressive and full of vivid imagery. Most excellent. tfs
Thank you for taking us there .. this is very fine work on your part.
wonderfully atmospheric tribute to a fine painter... the waterlillies live on in our hearts
Robert, thanks. The painting is beautiful and the size beyond what I imaged. I suppose I only saw parts of this painting previoiusly. Your words gives his strokes a life of their own: the lilies' white buds dancing like stars a tranquil swirl of golden, green and azure mystery.
You pen the mystery so well in this tribute to both painter and painting dear Robert. How wonderful to have seen these three priceless gems - so clear is your description I was almost there with you - eyes half-closed and peering at glimpses of genius. A brilliant piece of work from your talented pen.
beautiful water lilies. nicely written.
sounds so beautiful
The Poet and the Painter...You brought him to life again and you have told well, the wonder of his art. Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing