we do not
need revelation–
what will be
should be un
known, a mystery, like night
skies, like orbiting—
if we hold
the stars, the cosmos,
constant in
awe, we have
already seen both the be
ginning and the end
A shadorma chain for Colleen’s tanka Tuesday. The theme, picked by Sally Cronin, is the night sky.
The day is dreary and cold. A passing subway train, nearly empty, rattles the window as I remove the screen. A few black umbrellas walk by.
The apartments on the opposite side of my building look out on the river and the park. I wonder if they see signs of spring emerging through the grey blur of the rain.
cloudburst
blossoms fill the sky
pink showers
For Frank Tassone’s #haikai challenge #131, first cherry blossoms. I did the artwork sometime last year, and saved it for spring. The seasons will come, with or without our approval.
we journey, a field of voices
emanating from the golden
earth, the sky pulling, lifting
the sounds into light, lifting
the wings of birds into voices
calling within a chorus of golden
majesty, the songs writ golden
on the beckoning horizon, lifting
the weight of history with voices
echoing voices—golden, hearts lifting
A tritina, for Sue Vincent’s photo prompt, above, and Jane Dougherty’s new weekly challenge. Jane featured a work from poet Francis Ledwidge, asking us to choose 3 words from his poem for Thomas McDonagh as the 3 words featured in a tritina. I chose voices, golden, and lifting.
I used metallic paint in my watercolor, but the light was not right to reflect it when I photographed it from above. I think the angled shot works well with the words as well as holding on better to the light.
I’m so happy to see Jane’s challenge has been revived–my discovery of it was a real stimulus for seriously writing poetry and using my art in conjunction with it, not to mention connecting me with many WordPress friends. And she always finds interesting art and words! I was trying to find the first one of her challenges I did, and I think it may be this one, which was part of a back-and-forth of art between my co-blogger on MethodTwoMadness, Nina, and me. Nina works in a medical office so is on the front lines so to speak. I miss her art, but applaud her, and all those working to keep us going in these uncertain times, for their important work.
I did not consult the Oracle yet today, but she was definitely looking over my shoulder for this one…
a world built of stories to dream upon–
paths to follow like rivers to the sea–
ancient horizons that stretch on and on
bordered by waves that mirror wings—a bird
reciprocating every single breath
released to the wind—a sounding, a word,
a sky that keeps its time adrift, at bay–
speaking in unknown tongues, beyond all sound–
silence that pivots both toward and away
For Sue Vincent’s photo prompt, above, an attempt at the dVerse challenge from Laura to use 3 rhyme sets from poet Raymond Garlick in 10 syllable lines. My rhythm is definitely not pentameter, although it is 10 syllabled. I think that requires more distinctly separate lines.
This is my first watercolor in quite awhile, definitely since I moved as I unpacked the paints and brushes just this morning. It felt good to get back to it.
almost a shadow
almost an echo between
vast uncertainties
hidden voices wandering
the uncharted borderlines
This year’s Wolf Moon comes with a penumbral eclipse. For Frank Tassone’s #Haikai Challenge #120, and also linked to OLN on dVerse, hosted by Grace.
This is a watercolor with a moon photo collaged on top.
I’m going to be absent from posting for awhile, though I will try to check in with what everyone’s doing. I’m moving into a small temporary space, putting most of my stuff in storage, and hoping to move into a permanent home before 2020 is through. I won’t have a drawing table and not sure how many supplies will fit into the space, but I’ll be back to doing more work of some kind as soon as I can.
My January grid turned out to be a circle. The words were taken from a NY Times section that summarized the 2019 year’s top stories. I tried to take all the negativity and give it a more positive spin.
The birds may have been climate-changed out of their respective states, but they are still here.
memories conjured
in opposite images
balance transition
anything can be portaled
where borders cross into birds
The Oracle’s message for Sue Vincent’s photo prompt, above, and the New Year.
ancient moon roots murmur
through earthnight offering life–
deep sanctuary
breathe the colors of darkness
as light reflects skysong
