Girl with Flowers by Joaquin Sorolla
The Girl Behind the Flowers
by
Opal Zushaquon
The challenge from Imaginary Garden with Real Toads was to write a short poem inspired by one of Sorolla's pictures. There were many to choose from, but I settled on this one.
The physical body
of the girl behind the flowers
Is long gone
I stand here today
Silver-haired and stout
Dead hopes scattered at my feet
But if you look into the eyes
Of the gray-haired fat lady
You will see the ghost of that young dreamer
~Opal~
Ghost my ass---maybe a shadow of a slimmer past but nay the ghost. i bet you're a much better cook now than you were when we were kids with no gray hairs.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand I do like the accepting but slightly morose voice, it's cool when i grow up I'll probably feel the same way
Alas, good Walking Man, I'm rather a mediocre cook, but a hearty gourmand! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit.
Yes, very true. Unlike a lot of artists, Sorolla did paint his share of older women, and very lovingly, I think, but this one does seem the essence of youth. A reflective poem that goes behind the frame. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteghost of a young dreamer - perfect
ReplyDeleteThis speaks to be of my own situation, but I feel we need to give ourselves more credit for who we have become through it all. I too remember that young dreamer. I enjoyed your poem very much. I chose the same picture.
ReplyDeleteLove this reflection...I too look into the eyes of a slimmer youth. I still see dreams sparkling there.
ReplyDeletebetcha you still dream. why else write poems?
ReplyDeleteThis poem has real impact for me. I like the way you went with this painting as inspiration.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, those amazing eyes of hers! Let us hope there is a young dreamer hidden in the eyes of every gray-haired fat lady!
ReplyDeleteWell said!
K
I hope we never lose that young dreamer in us even if we are older and silver haired ~
ReplyDeleteI too like your voice of young spring~
ReplyDelete:D
Thank you all for your kind comments. I'm flattered and overwhelmed! <3
ReplyDeleteWe all have younger selves incorporated in the mind under those grey hairs - the trick is never to forget them!
ReplyDeleteYes! Let's give a rousing cheer for all of the seniors out there! I would be one of them .........
ReplyDeleteI'm glad there is a glimmer of youth to be seen in her old eyes... I read this and out loud said "oh no"... I don't want that fresh face to be full of regrets and sadness.
ReplyDelete