Appreciating what you can see in life and in painting,
Some of my poetry is inspired by not only what I see and feel in real life but in the paintings and efforts of artists and sculptors Growing up in the ST Louis area I loved the river and the lakes that add flavor to the plains of the Midwest.
Now I live in Virginia , twenty five minutes from the Atlantic and just over 2 hours to the Blue Ridge Mountains ..and in between , lush green fields ...
I write about it all because I am enamored by the beauty of the world whether I am seeing it up close and personal or whether I am standing in front of the talent , skill and beauty of an artist
I hope you enjoy this poem ..it is hot here and I can imagine I am one of the people on the boat, enjoying a special day at sea ..feeling the coolness from the breeze and the smell of salt tinged air.
Breezing Up by Winslow Homer
interpreted by anna alexander
A single sail,
Patched, worn.
Still strong enough to hold wind.
Taking the little boat by the hand,
Away from land.
Morning sun lays golden shawls of light
Across the shoulders of the children there.
In the boat, this day's catch
Supper for the evening meal.
Father intent, keeping the boat on an even keel.
Three boys, no...
I think one must be a girl,
Stretched out, dreaming dreams,
Her feet encased with shoes,
Her brothers disdain to wear.
Their feet cooling in the morning air.
Did they grow up? Leave the sea behind?
Landlocked, in office or suburban home?
If they did, do they ever dream
Of this perfect day, the sea serene?
The sky awash with clouds and light
A seagull's soaring flight ?
This forever day
When they were young?
9/17/96
Anna Alexander
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