GAZING AT A STARRY NIGHT BY VAN GOGH

GAZING AT A STARRY NIGHT BY VAN GOGH

searching upstream
through the brambles
and snarls,
wading against the flow
looking for the birthplace
of this creek as it rushes
bubbling and burbling
madly racing to join
the other streams
to defuse and dissipate
folding into the face
and form of the others
losing all that makes it unique
and special,
answers rush by
trying to force
a change in the direction
of the seeking
but it will keep going
it needs a better answer
a stronger reason
than water always runs down
and sometimes this striving
creates something
so clear in form and idea
that it stands alone
and lives forever
changing even the face of the mighty ocean...

Author's Note

“The only important elements in any society are the artistic and the criminal, because they alone, by questioning the society’s values, can force it to change.”
― Samuel R. Delany, Empire Star

this i believe to the very core of my being...jc

Reviews

[Perkele.7885]

This is as usual, a very heady write. Your words start rolling and our minds must keep pace or we will surely lose our train of thought.
You point out that in Van Gogh's painting, the river will seem to have come alive and each time that you view it again, appear a bit differently.

[jeannemarie coulter]

we, as artists, walk the honed blade edge of our societies and are often wounded...but by doing so can force change flowing from the river of our wounds...

[Coyote Poetry]

Artwork give life to poetry. I enjoyed the painting and your description. I believe artwork is poetry for the eyes. Thank you for sharing the amazing artwork and words.
Coyote

[Jamestown]

Well penned!
When someone uses such a profound painting to compliment
the poetry I always cringe a bit, but in this case your words really
mesh well:) Thanks for sharing and b-blessed!

[DoormanDan]

That picture is such a classic piece, and I think that this poem you have written has more than earned the right to be associated with it. There is so much beautiful description of nature in this piece. I think I'd want to stay underneath that starry night for a few weeks. :)

[dan]

jeannemarie, Writing a piece inspired by Van Gogh's "Starry Night" was a wonderful idea, such an iconic painting described in YOUR own words as in an artistic review the complexities of the composition. When I saw the graphic I immediately thought of one of my favorite songs, "Vincent," by Don McLean. Your description of what the picture meant to you is simply beautiful, written by an artistic hand, much like the painting's origin. Thank you for the RR for this one, thank you for sharing it with me. take care...dan

[Perkele.7885]

Jeananne, the more that I know you, the more i am appreciative of your awareness of self and the world around you. Some folks, many, many folks haven't any clue.

[wordman]

a beautiful write,a beautiful painting

[jeannemarie coulter]

thank you...as always

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

What a truly delightful poem. A magnificent compliment to the artists painting.