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| Bella Rosenfeld Chagall, Shalom Books |
“In our life there is a single color, as on an artist palette,
which provides the meaning of life and art. It is the color of love.”
― Marc Chagall
Laura Shovan has challenged to write a persona poem this month. (Read Laura's post about how to write one, HERE.) In response, I've written a love poem in the voice of Bella Rosenfeld Chagall. Although it was inspired by "Bride with Fan" by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), I'm dedicating this post to my own true love who, in just a few short days, will be my husband of twenty years.
Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart.
(Surprise!)
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| "Bride with Fan" (1911) by Marc Chagall This image is in the public domain in the United States, published prior to 1923. |
CHAGALL’S MUSE
At the moment we met
I don’t recall breathing–
your eyes were so blue
and vast as the sky.
Mine lowered in silence,
I heard our hearts beating
and knew my forever arrived.
You gave me your vow,
your soul and your secrets,
a fan made with feathers,
so gentle and white.
And now, like a cloud
passing over your canvas,
with every breath, I sigh.
© 2016 Michelle Heidenrich Barnes. All rights reserved.
Send your persona poem to TodaysLittleDitty (at) gmail (dot) com, or use the
contact form in the sidebar to the right. You don't need to include the artwork that inspired
your poem, but you are welcome to as long as I can properly attribute
the artist/photographer. Other poems featured this week were by Jan Godown Annino, Suzy Levinson, Brenda Davis Harsham, and Michelle Kogan. Brenda is featuring another persona poem on her blog today, Margaret Simon and Violet Nesdoly are featuring persona poems on their blogs as well.All contributions will be included in a wrap-up celebration on Friday, May 27th, and one lucky participant will win a personalized copy of Laura Shovan's fantastic verse novel for middle grade readers: THE LAST FIFTH GRADE OF EMERSON ELEMENTARY (Wendy Lamb Books/Random House, 2016).
Such a sweet gift! I like these lines that remind me of a Chagall painting: And now, like a cloud
ReplyDeletepassing over your canvas
He has the most remarkable things passing over and through his canvases!
Here's an anniversary gift for you:
Wedding in the Arbor
We question why
honeybees still dance
among the wisteria
when all the sweetness
is in your possession.
Oh... thank you, Diane! So beautiful. <3 I still think of this one as "ours" as well: http://michellehbarnes.blogspot.com/2013/06/haiku-garden-diane-mayr.html
DeleteAs a matter of fact, much of this poem was adapted from quotes– from both Marc and Bella. The line you mention and the reference to a sigh from Marc, and the lines about the blue eyes and hearts beating from Bella.
Lovely, I am working on my poem. Slowly.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to it, Jone, whenever it arrives. :)
DeleteBeautiful imagery and metaphors Michelle, thanks for sharing this with us! Happy Anniversary! You've given us a visual treat for our senses, paintings, words and video images. Loved the photo too, grand and inspiring, is it from your wedding?
ReplyDeleteIt is, Michelle. It was a beautiful day and the wisteria arbor bloomed just for us. :)
DeleteHappy Anniversary! Such a sweet gift :-) Our anniversary is in a few short days, too. (24 years)
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary to you, too, Tabatha! <3 <3
DeleteAwww... a love poem! Inspired by art! Beautiful and heartfelt. Happy Anniversary to you!!! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Irene. xo
DeleteHappy Anniversary, Michelle. What a loving gift you've created for your husband. I love this: "knew my forever arrived". My son & daughter-in-law celebrate their own 20th this coming Wednesday! Twenty years is a long time to love, deepening every year, I think. Enjoy the celebration.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda, and warmest wishes to your son and daughter-in-law!
DeleteBeautiful! Congratulations on all those wonderful years together.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dori!
DeleteSigh sigh sigh. What a beautiful post! Happy Anniversary!! Love Chagall, the painting, your poem, and the video. Perfection. Enjoy your special day!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jama. :) Chagall is one of my favorites... there's something so magical about his work, and his colors are incredible.
DeleteHappy Anniversary - this post is the perfect gift. I hope you have special plans for this momentous day!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tara. No plans for the day since Peter will be traveling for work, but we'll figure out something when he gets back. :)
DeleteHappy Anniversary to you and your hubby. Me and mine have a year to go before we hit 20, but our anniversary is in a few days, too. That is a wonderful poem and video to accompany years of love. So precious. What a lovely wedding setting. Chagall was a great painter and print-maker. Each painting is a fairy tale with commentary, story and emotion. I love your poem, so rich and romantic.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Brenda, and happy anniversary to you, too!
DeleteSuch a sweet gift! Happy anniversary!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna. :)
DeleteMichelle, this is so lovely! I am struck by your poetic range, from silly nonsense to this beautiful love poem. Happy Anniversary. (Oh yes, and I'd love to read your bird persona poem!)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Violet. What a nice thing to say about my poetic range! Well, actually you said several nice things, so thank you for all of it. :) I'll email you the poem.
DeleteHappy anniversary!
ReplyDeleteI love how you added subtle rhyme to link each stanza!
Thanks for noticing, Mary Lee. I noticed it too, but only after the fact. Love when that happens. :)
DeleteSo very beautiful - your gift of a poem and the Chagall work, too. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! We are coming up on 32 years... can it be? With our oldest about to be married in June. [And, of course we were married as preschoolers...! ;0) ]
ReplyDeleteThank you, Robyn. Happy almost 32 years to you! I bet you threw a great preschool wedding reception, complete with DIY macaroni necklace souvenirs. :)
DeleteAnniversary Joy to you & Peter. Your art-felt, heartfelt poem is precious. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jan! xo
DeleteHappy Anniversary, Michelle! (Maybe now a few days late.) Your poem is gorgeous. I especially love "and knew my forever had arrived."
ReplyDeleteThanks, Catherine. :) Not too late, the actual date is tomorrow.
DeleteMichelle, your poem is so beautiful. Happy anniversary!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the other persona poems that you linked to.
Thank you, Penny. It's going to be another great wrap-up celebration tomorrow!
DeleteMichelle, and then I sigh too. Lovely all around.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol. :)
Delete