Poppies For Sale

(The painting still has the old label, Society of Women Artists, Westminster Gallery, London SW14 9NH. Poppies, watercolour £150 on the reverse) The artist lived in Wallingford, Oxford.

Intrigued by an artist's brush strokes,

a watercolour caught my eye

as I perused an army

of stacked frames.

The painter's name, Freddie Jeynes,

full resume on the reverse,

had once displayed her work

in a London gallery.

Too high a price for all 

the hours she had captured

flimsy poppies at their best,

full heads of silken, scarlet skirts

reminding me of war dead

long gone, at peace, at rest.

Florid tints applied with

precision tender care,

ten pounds to pay, "a deal I said".

The Gallery now deceased,

though soldier's blood still

bleeds in red torment.

I paused to think,

reflect on painter and poppies.

It was her that broke through the veil,

led me on a trail through Oxford lanes.

I saw her in the morning light,

reflected in the clear glass pane.

She smiled and waved back,

blew me a kiss she did.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the gallery might be closed down, but your poem will not let us forget the painter nor the men the poppies stand for...the fallen, those who gave their lives for their country...
I think they may smile at this poem and wave at the poet....a thank you wave...
Parts of this you used such excellent near rhyme...and there was a pattern to the rhythm that works like a charm.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Your review so thoughtful Jacob. Yes remembering both the fallen and the painter. I am pleased I managed to do that.

Chris

[MCS]

Well done my poet friend!!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you MCS. I appreciate your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[kentuck14]

Chris,
A lovely adventure you take us on . . . browsing among the concrete history of art and remembrance of war. You show the artist as someone we would like to know, to understand what motivated her art. The idea of walking through Oxford streets interests me. My middle daughter traveled through much of England years ago as a transient actor and has encouraged me to visit my ancestor's home (of course she says she would gladly do the driving as I've driven the right side of the road for 50 years). These gentle excursions of yours settle the mind. Thanks
Tom

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Tom. Been quite a while since I took a stroll down Oxford Street myself, and I was originally born in our capital city. Have now moved to the borders of Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Much more country lanes now. Don't think I could ever live in the city. Hope you get the opportunity to visit. Thank you for joining me on my poetry excursions. All good wishes.

Chris

[Maxwell Ryder]

Is the metaphor of a field of poppies for fields of spilled blood during the Great War?

[Chris Shaw]

Thinking of both the loss of blood and the painter here Maxwell. Many thanks for your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[john l smith]

Like a poet's efforts, a painter's efforts are too often unappreciated.
you have done a service to both the subject and to the artist.
How many other little treasures lie forgotten or dismissed waiting to grace your walls

[Chris Shaw]

I am very fond of art, and I do have a few watercolours adorning my walls. All the painters are dead but their work is still to be admired. Many thanks Dave for your continued support.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem shared Chris. I know the painting are beautiful. So many words written for the poppy. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Makes me happy Coyote to know that you enjoyed this poem. This picture hangs on my wall. Thank you so much.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

This has a whimsical yet sad quality to it. The second stanza stands out in another really good poem filled with description and emotion. You are on another roll Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. Yes, the muse is with me. She usually visits when my emotions are playing games with me. Pleased you enjoyed the poem.

Chris