Don’t open it.
Not yet, he says.
Just wait
for the lighting
to be right,
and for my paints
to be ready.
Love doesn’t wait,
I want to shout,
for the moment to be portrait worthy.
It stealthy rampages
on its own timetable.
But I wait.
For the light to be right,
my dress to be crisp,
and my hair to be neatly bound.
I open your letter.
My soul soars at the sight of violets
gathered by your hand.
I want to whisper my promises in turn.
But I must keep perfectly still.
Song Choice: Fidelity by Regina Spektor
This poem is in response to the prompt given over at Imaginary Gardens With Real Toads Jump on over to read some terrific poetry.
It was tough getting Instagram pictures in those days.
ReplyDeleteLOL, she couldn't stalk her lover's Facebook either to see if he was still true
DeleteDebra, you are a riot!
DeleteNo selfies then! So much harder to connect!
ReplyDeleteLove the poem!
No selfies, no emojis. Life was rough back then :D
DeleteOh, this is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you!
DeleteThe impatience of love and the days when there was actually a letter to read. Love it! Thanks for taking part in the prompt!!
ReplyDeleteI remember how tough long distance relationships could be, and at least the telephone was readily available!
DeleteYou really get the feeling of tension in this pose, Rommy, and every word seems very true to the character--maybe because we have all been there in one way or another. I am old enough to remember love letters, and how precious they were.
ReplyDeleteLove letters, long distance phone calls...especially those calls in college to boyfriends that lived far away. I remember those days too, though it was only classes I had to sit still in. If I had to sit still as an art subject I would have gone bonkers.
DeleteThis is such an excellent reading of the painting and very true to the premise of the prompt. I think you captured it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks!
Deleteexcellent.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI love the last stanza-intimacy blooms in your words~
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteLove!
ReplyDeleteYay! Thanks!
DeleteI'm with Ella, the last stanza is deliciously telling. The way in which she definitely knows what she wants, and how she's willing to compromise to get it (or because she does).
ReplyDeleteThe painting and your poem, are wonderful at portraying a sense of suspense... almost as if she is holding her breath.
The poem leaves off half way in that breath she's holding (which is what the picture said most of all to me - this feeling of holding your breath). I wanted the reader to hold it along with her, and feel the restlessness and need for control react in that breath.
DeleteHa! Super sweet. One can visualize the scene--thanks. k.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteSweet. Makes one believe in romance.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting.
Nothing wrong with a bit of romance from time to time
DeleteAw, can't she just jump up and down for a minute or two!!
ReplyDeleteIt isn't every day a girl gets flowers, please let her respond.
(Personally, I think this was either meaness or a tease by the artist, he lets her look but won't let her move. Awk!)
..
It does feel like a bit of meanness doesn't it? I'd think it'd be hard enough to keep still under normal circumstances.
DeleteI love the way you bring out the pieces of the portrait and then add the emotive closing. Beautifully written!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Delete